The One with the Plan

That Sunday evening the disciples were meeting behind locked doors because they were afraid of the Jewish leaders. Suddenly, Jesus was standing there among them! “Peace be with you,” he said. As he spoke, he showed them the wounds in his hands and his side. They were filled with joy when they saw the Lord! Again he said, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I am sending you.” Then he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive anyone’s sins, they are forgiven. If you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven.” John 20:19–23 NLT

After Jesus’ death, the disciples had to be feeling the futility of the hopes they’d based their life on for the past few years. Then came news of the resurrection. What could it mean? In this passage, Jesus comes to explain. He brings peace to their questions and fears. He gives them a role to carry on. As he has been demonstrating the life changing power of forgiveness, he now commissions them to keep building his kingdom of grace. The world’s continuing need for the grace of God depends on us. That’s purpose!

The sheer scope of that commission must have raised even more questions and fears in the hearts of the disciples. Then came the day they saw Jesus ascend. This is not just another now you see me now you don’t experience. They are eye witnesses as Jesus takes up his heavenly role at the right hand of the Father designing the plan to complete the healing of creation.

He said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. So wherever you go, make disciples of all nations: Baptize them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Teach them to do everything I have commanded you. Matthew 28:18–20 GW

Our lives have a purpose that is furthering the plan of the King of all plans. As Jesus is working out all things according to God’s will, we have a role to play.