Easter 2 Gospel Reading: John 20:19-31

When Jesus told His disciples, “If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them,” it might seem strange.

After all, when Jesus healed the paralytic man in Mark 2, the Pharisees said that only God can forgive sins.

So how can people do this?

Here’s the beautiful truth: Jesus gave this power to His disciples so you could know that your sins are forgiven.

When you hear the words, “I forgive you your sins in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,” this isn’t just empty talk. These words carry Jesus’ own promise.

Think about those first disciples on Easter. Where were they? Locked in a room, terrified. Not because of their sins, but because they feared death after Jesus had died.

Yet Jesus appeared and said, “Peace be with you.” He brought peace because He had risen.

This same peace is yours when you receive forgiveness.

Luther said that when the devil whispers, “Remember that sin you keep committing over and over? The one you promised to stop but didn’t? Is that really forgiven?” you can boldly answer, “Yes! That sin and all my other sins have been crucified with Christ!”

Your fears don’t need to be fears anymore. Your sins died with Christ on Good Friday, and in this Easter season, we celebrate the new life we have in Jesus and His resurrection.

Peace be with you. Your sin is forgiven.

Contributor Matthew Zickler is pastor at Grace Lutheran Church in Western Springs, IL.

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