And when He had said this, He breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, their sins have been forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they have been retained.” John 20:22-23
The risen Christ breathed on His disciples filling them with the Holy Spirit. We are meant to remember how God fashioned Adam from the dust of the earth and breathed life into him (Gen. 2:7). When Jesus Christ breathed on His disciples, they received a new, spiritual life in the Holy Spirit. They were born again.
In the same breath, Jesus sent them out to preach the forgiveness of sins. Each of the gospels has a commissioning statement, and this is John’s. Jesus gave them authority to proclaim the gospel to the nations. At that point, the disciples had new life and authority, but no power. So, they went back to fishing.
The disciples received the power to fulfill their commissioning on Pentecost, recorded in Acts chapter 2. The wind of the Spirit of God filled the whole house where they were praying, and tongues of fire rested on each disciple. Upon receiving the power of the Holy Spirit, immediately they began speaking in tongues and preaching the forgiveness of sins.
Our new life in Christ gives us authority and power to preach the gospel. The Holy Spirit of God empowers us to do all things in Christ. The Holy Spirit is our authority and power to preach the gospel.
Father, may I speak Your Word with confidence as You extend Your hand to heal and signs and wonders take place through the name of Your holy servant Jesus. Amen!