ヨハネによる福音書20:19-23　John 20:19-23,

Jesus, who died on the cross to atone for our sins, rose from the dead on the third day in a body of eternal life. In this way, He showed us that those who believe in him will also receive eternal life.

In the evening of the day Jesus rose from the dead, the disciples were in Jerusalem, still unable to believe in his resurrection. They had gathered in a room and locked the doors, fearing that the Jews who had crucified Jesus would come to arrest them. Yet Jesus entered the room. Since Jesus had conquered even the power of death and risen from the dead, entering a locked room was no difficult task for him. And Jesus said to his disciples, “Peace be with you.” The disciples, who had feared the Jews, must have been greatly encouraged when they saw the resurrected Jesus and heard his voice! Then Jesus showed them his hands and his side. His hands bore the marks of the nails from the cross, and his side bore the wound from the spear thrust by the Roman soldier. Seeing this, the disciples were certain that Jesus had truly risen, and they were filled with joy.

Now, did Jesus say to his disciples, “You now know that I have risen. Therefore, continue to believe in me and live with courage,” and then leave them? No, He did not! Jesus said, “As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.” The Father sent Jesus into the world to save people. In the same way, Jesus declared that he would send his disciples into the world to lead people to salvation.

But could the disciples, who gathered in a room with the doors locked out of fear of the Jews, go out into the world to proclaim Jesus’ salvation? Was that not impossible? Indeed, it would have been impossible for the disciples to proclaim Jesus’ salvation to people by their own strength. That is why Jesus breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit.” Through that gesture and those words, he promised to give the Holy Spirit to the disciples. After that, the resurrected Jesus ascended into heaven and sent the Holy Spirit to the disciples from heaven. This is written in the Acts of the Apostles, so I would like to preach about it again someday.

Jesus’ salvation is the forgiveness of sins and eternal life. Therefore, Jesus gave the disciples the authority to forgive sins. “If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you withhold forgiveness from any, it is withheld.” Those who hear about Jesus from the disciples and believe in Jesus will have their sins forgiven. However, those who hear but do not believe will not have their sins forgiven. Have you ever thought that you are at fault because you told others about Jesus but they did not believe in Jesus? You do not need to think that way. Those sent by Jesus have the authority to proclaim the forgiveness of sins through Jesus, but they also have the authority to say, “If you do not believe, you will not be forgiven.” The responsibility for not believing lies with the hearer. Therefore, let us boldly proclaim Jesus.