Peace be with You Again!
John 20:21

Jesus said to them again, Peace be with you. As the Father sent me I also send you.

Jesus had evidently caused such a fright among the disciples that it was necessary for Him to calm them down. Peace means not only that He had forgiven their sin and guilt but that they can relax. In order for people to minister in His name we need to first gain His peace and serenity. Anxiety causes us to do stupid things and sometimes do the opposite of ministry.

In Matthew 28 Jesus gave His disciples the Great commission and sent them into all the world. In this recording Jesus is also commissioning them to move out with peace and in peace. In Luke 10 Jesus told them how to evangelize by blessing others with peace. If we lack personal peace how can we authentically bless others with Shalom?

Then He breathed on them and said, Receive the Holy Spirit. This was a sign of the new birth. They were the very first Christians with the Holy Spirit in them and with them.

Here is their Great Commission:

If you forgive the sins of anyone they are forgiven. They had just received forgiveness and now, with the reception of the Holy Spirit, are able to offer peace to others.

When we who have received the Spirit tell others about Jesus and they respond their sins are remitted. Forgiven. However, when we fail to offer or they fail to accept the sins are retained.
Our mission is important.

Peace be with you!