THE BREATH THAT GIVES LIFE”

Scripture: John 20:21–23 - “So Jesus said to them again, 'Peace to you! As the Father has sent Me, I also send you.' And when He had said this, He breathed on them, and said to them, 'Receive the Holy Spirit.'"

This moment in John 20 is profoundly symbolic and spiritually weighty. Jesus breathes on His disciples—an act that mirrors a scene from the very beginning of humanity.

In Genesis 2:7, it says: “Then the Lord God formed man of dust from the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being."

In both cases, breath is not merely air; it is the transfer of divine life.

• In Eden, God's breath brought humanity to biological life.
• In the Upper Room, Jesus's breath brought the disciples to spiritual life.

The first breath formed man's physical nature. The second breath transformed man's spiritual nature.

The Breath of Commission and Communion

Jesus's words are deliberate: "As the Father has sent Me, I also send you."

This breath was not only about indwelling—it was about sending. The gift of the Spirit came with responsibility. Just as breath is necessary to speak, move, and live—so too is the Spirit necessary for the disciple's mission.

Jesus breathes out the gift, and the disciples breathe in. This divine exchange signals the beginning of a new creation. They are no longer merely followers; they are now Spirit-filled ambassadors of the Kingdom.

Forgiveness and Authority

Then, verse 23 adds another layer if you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them…"

This isn't about human beings arbitrarily controlling forgiveness—it's about walking in alignment with the Spirit to extend the reconciling work of Christ. The same breath that gives us life empowers us to release others into freedom.

God's breath gave man life, and Jesus's breath gave us new life—a spiritual awakening that equips and empowers. In both instances, breath signifies divine intention, not just to animate us, but to commission us. We are not only revived but recruited—called to carry out the work of the Kingdom in the power of the Holy Spirit.

When Jesus breathed on the disciples, it was a preview of Pentecost and a picture of our purpose: to live Spirit-filled and Spirit-led lives that reflect His love, declare His truth, and extend His forgiveness.

So now, just as God breathed life into Adam, and Jesus breathed power into His followers, may we inhale deeply the breath of God and exhale His grace to a world in need.

PRAYER

Breathe on us, Breath of God. Fill us with Your Spirit, That we may walk in newness of life and carry Your presence wherever we go. Thank You for the peace You speak over our fears, The power You give to our weakness, And the purpose You place in our calling. Let our lives be living testimonies of the life You gave and the Spirit You shared. In Jesus' name, Amen.