Peace Be with You: Jesus Gives the Power to Forgive (John 20)

The power to forgive sins was one of the first gifts the risen Jesus placed in His disciples’ hands. In Part 1 of our John 20 series, we stood with Mary at the empty tomb. Now, on the evening of that same resurrection day, we step into a locked room full of frightened followers.

Peace Be with You (John 20:19-23)

The disciples had gathered behind locked doors because they feared the Jewish leaders. Suddenly, Jesus stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” Then He showed them His hands and His side. As a result, their fear turned to joy, and they believed it was truly the Lord.

Next, Jesus gave them a task. Just as the Father had sent Him, He was now sending them to share the gospel. Then He breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit.” Along with the Spirit came the power to forgive sins.

How the Power to Forgive Sins Was Passed On

Before the resurrection, the power to forgive sins rested with Jesus alone. After He rose, His power became transferable, and He was able to give the Holy Spirit to His disciples.

His death broke down a barrier and changed the order of things. We no longer need an intermediary to approach God, because the blood and sacrifice of Jesus gave us direct access to the Father. Consequently, we can now do what He did. In John 14:12, Jesus promised that whoever believes in Him will do the works He has been doing, and even greater things, because He was going to the Father.

This is also why God gave Jesus the name that is above every name. At that name every knee will bow, and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father (Philippians 2:9-11).

Four Benefits of His Death and Resurrection

Jesus knew His death and resurrection would bring us into the light of God and give us access to power and authority through His name. In short, the resurrection was the preamble to salvation for every believer. Here is what flows from it:

1. Access to the Father. Without His sacrifice, we would have no way in.
2. Salvation and eternal life. His victory over death secures our future.
3. Power and authority. We act in His name, not in our own strength.
4. The Holy Spirit. God now lives in and works through His people.

Go and Sin No More: Miracles That Revealed His Power

Interestingly, the power to forgive sins did not begin after the resurrection. Throughout His ministry, the miracles of Jesus carried a deeper message. Each healing was visible proof of an invisible work, because anyone can say “your sins are forgiven,” but only God can back those words up.

The Paralytic Lowered Through the Roof (Luke 5:17-26)

When four friends lowered a paralyzed man through the roof, everyone expected a healing. Instead, Jesus first told him his sins were forgiven. The religious leaders were offended, since only God can forgive sins. So Jesus asked which was easier to say: “Your sins are forgiven” or “Get up and walk.” Then He healed the man so they would know the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins (Luke 5:24). In other words, the healing was the evidence. The man’s legs proved what had already happened in his heart.

The Woman Who Anointed Jesus (Luke 7:36-50)

At a Pharisee’s dinner, a woman known for her sinful life wept at the feet of Jesus, wiped them with her hair, and poured perfume on them. While the host judged her, Jesus declared that her many sins were forgiven, because she had loved much. Immediately, the other guests asked, “Who is this who even forgives sins?” She arrived carrying shame, yet she left with peace and a new identity.

The Man at the Pool of Bethesda (John 5:1-15)

This man had been an invalid for thirty-eight years. After healing him, Jesus later found him in the temple and gave a serious warning: stop sinning, or something worse may happen to you (John 5:14). Clearly, healing was not the finish line; his life also needed to change.

The Woman Caught in Adultery (John 8:1-11)

The religious leaders dragged this woman before Jesus, ready to stone her. Rather than argue, He invited anyone without sin to throw the first stone, and one by one they walked away. Then He said, “Neither do I condemn you. Go, and sin no more.” Notice the order. Mercy came first, and the call to change followed. He did not excuse her sin, yet He refused to let it define her.

The Woman Bent Over for Eighteen Years (Luke 13:10-17)

For eighteen years, a spirit of infirmity kept this woman bent over. Jesus called her forward, laid His hands on her, and she stood up straight. Afterward, He described her as a daughter of Abraham whom Satan had bound. Her story shows that Jesus came to loose people from every kind of bondage, physical and spiritual.

Why Jesus Insisted on “Sin No More”

Why did Jesus press this point? Forgiveness is a gift, but it is also a doorway into a new way of living. He never set people free so they could return to the same chains. Grace covers the past, while His call to “sin no more” protects the future. We see the same pattern in John 20. The disciples received the power to forgive sins, and with it came a mission to lead people into changed lives.

What Hold Does Sin Have on Our Lives?

First, sin keeps us in bondage. Sin opens the door to darkness and oppression, and whatever thrives in darkness can hold a person captive for years if they are not delivered.

Thankfully, God is faithful through every season, including our seasons of sin. If we refuse to stay there and call out to Him instead, He forgives. According to 1 John 1:9, if we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Even better, He chooses not to remember them. Both Hebrews 8:12 and Isaiah 43:25 declare that God will remember our sins no more.

That is why living free from sin matters. A believer’s dominion is power over sin, and walking in that freedom affirms your authority and leads you into victory.

In Part 3, we meet Thomas and discover the real difference between believing and having faith.

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