Exegesis of John 20:19-23 Resurrection Commissioning

As we delve into the rich passage of John 20:19-23, we find ourselves in the midst of a profound moment in the life of the disciples, and indeed, in the unfolding of redemptive history. On the evening of that first day of the week, the day of resurrection, Jesus appeared to His disciples, who were gathered behind closed doors, fearful of the Jewish authorities. It is here that Jesus, in His glorified state, stood among them, offering a greeting of peace, reminiscent of the Hebrew salutation, "Shalom" (John 20:19). This peace, however, was not merely a cultural expression, but a declaration of the very peace that He had won for them through His finished work on the cross, as He had previously promised, "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you" (John 14:27).

As Jesus showed them His hands and side, He was, in effect, demonstrating the reality of His resurrection, and thereby, the verification of His identity as the crucified and risen Messiah. This display of His wounds served as a testament to the disciples, and to us, that the One who was crucified is indeed the same One who was raised, just as He had foretold, "And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself" (John 12:32). In this moment, Jesus was also imparting to the disciples the gift of the Holy Spirit, breathing on them, and saying, "Receive the Holy Spirit" (John 20:22), an act that prefigured the outpouring of the Spirit at Pentecost, and underscored the disciples' role as recipients and dispensers of the divine life.

In this passage, we see the beautiful convergence of Christ's resurrection, the gift of peace, and the impartation of the Holy Spirit, all of which serve to underscore the disciples' – and our own – union with Christ, and our commission to proclaim the message of redemption to a world in need. As we reflect on this passage, may we, like the disciples, be filled with the peace and joy that only Christ can give, and may we, too, be empowered by the Holy Spirit to declare the gospel to all nations, that they might know the One who has been raised from the dead, and who offers eternal life to all who believe.