Yesterday, I shared what our pastor said about Jesus’ peace from John 16, John 20, and Philippians 4. Today, I want to continue in John 20 also continue our “Go and Tell” theme. Today: Tell them what? What’s the significance of the resurrection? It’s all in John 20:

Jesus repeated his greeting, “Peace to you!” And he told them, “Just as the Father has sent me, I’m now sending you.” Then, taking a deep breath, he blew on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit. I send you to preach the forgiveness of sins—and people’s sins will be forgiven. But if you don’t proclaim the forgiveness of their sins, they will remain guilty.” (John 20.21 – 23, Passion Translation)

This is one of those “obvious” alliterative outlines:

• Peace in verse 21 (and also verse 19)
• Process in verse 21 (“as the Father has sent me…”)
• Power in verse 22 (“Receive the Holy Spirit…”)
• Pardon in verse 23 (“Proclaim forgiveness of sins”)

I might talk more about the others on another day, but today, let’s think about the message: “Forgiveness of sins.” The idea of the proclamation of the forgiveness of sins is not in the standard translations of verse 23, but it is clearly there in Luke 24:

Then [Jesus] opened their minds to understand the Scriptures, and said to them, “Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead, and that repentance and forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem…” (Luke 24.45 – 47, ESV)

The message is forgiveness of sins. Not just sins! “You sinners better shape up!” No, the forgiveness of sins. Some Christian writers emphasize the holiness and justice of God. A good message to be sure, but can we temper those with the love of God? It’s the kindness of God that leads to repentance. 

Or do you presume on the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that God’s kindness is meant to lead you to repentance? (Romans 2.4, ESV)

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. (John 3.16, 17, ESV)