From the disturbed to the disturbers

In John 20:19-31, the disciples were huddled together, disturbed following the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus. Very shortly after, in Acts 5:27-32, these same disciples have moved from being disturbed to being disturbers as they boldly defy the authorities and proclaim the gospel of Jesus. Pastor Phil Kniss asked us to explore how the disciples made this transition. The simple answer is that Jesus appeared and told them to be at peace. But it was not accidental that Jesus breathed on them. Between John 20 and Acts 5, Jesus tells his disciples at least 3 times, “Peace be with you.” Further, Jesus commissioned the disciples with the ministry of forgiveness, telling them to do for others what Jesus had just done for them. Pastor Phil also highlighted the communal impact of this ministry of forgiveness. People were drawn to this community that lived in Christ’s peace and the disciples had a sense of purpose, breathing with the purposes of God. We are a part of this tradition, called to a life of bold, humble, public witness. May the Holy Spirit, the breath of Christ, blow on us.