August 18, 2020: SOAP #3911:  Jeremiah 26, 35-36; John 20

Scripture:  John (NIV) 20:19 On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!”
20 After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord.
21 Again Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.”
22 And with that he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit.

Observation:   Their fear had locked the doors.  They had been locked by the disciples from the inside to keep “the Jews” out.  But locked doors could not keep Jesus out! 

Jesus was there to pass on two things.  First, He passed to them His commission.  He had been sent by the Father; now He was sending them with the same purpose.  Second, He was passing along to the His Enabler.  He had not started His ministry until the Holy Spirit had come upon Him.  Now He was passing on that same anointing. 

Application:  Jesus often gives us thing too big for us to do, but He never gives us things to big for the Holy Spirit.  Jesus is not counting on me to be able to fulfill His will.  Jesus is counting on the Holy Spirit to be able to work in and through me. 

Jesus did not suggest, “I have someone you might find helpful, someone you might enjoy.  Just let Him be a part of your life.  You will be blessed.”  No, Jesus commanded them “RECEIVE THE HOLY SPIRIT!”  It was a command, not an option! 

Prayer:   Holy Spirit, I receive you into my life.  You came to Jesus when he was baptized and led Him into His ministry.  Do the same for me.  Do it every day, I pray!   Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!