The aim of this devotional is to grow in understanding of the role of the Holy Spirit in our (ongoing) salvation.
Scripture
Genesis 2:7 then the LORD God formed the man of dust from the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living creature.
John 20:19-22 On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors being locked where the disciples were for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.” 20 When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord. 21 Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.” 22 And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit.”
Observations and reflection
Note: As mentioned in previous studies, the Gospel authors recorded the life and teachings of Jesus while many times hinting at Old Testament accounts to bring out greater significance to what Jesus was doing or saying. Most Biblical commentators link these two passages above, convinced that John hinted back at the creation of man in this section.
- John repeated refers to the Holy Spirit as life-giving (John 3:3-5, 6:63, 7:38-39 etc). With that in mind, what do you understand happened with the disciples in John 20:22?
- Why did Jesus need to breathe his Spirit on the disciples?
- This happened after Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection. Why did Jesus not do this before his crucifixion?
Application
- Could you point to one instance in your life when Jesus “breathed his Life-giving Spirit into you”? What changed that moment?
Prayer
Spend some time worshipping Jesus with this truth from Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians 15:45 “The first man Adam became a living being”; the last Adam [Jesus] became a life-giving spirit.”
Now pray for someone on your heart who is still dead in their sins, that he/she would meet Jesus, the Life-giving Spirit.
Shofar Durbanville Bible Studies 