Daily Devotions
My Song In The Night (Gospel of John)
我夜间的歌曲 (约翰福音）
The Significant Manifestation Of The Risen Saviour
Text: John 20: 23
THE SIGNIFICANT MANIFESTATION OF THE RISEN SAVIOUR
This appearance of the Risen Saviour had great significance. The following may be noted:
1. Assurance
The Disciples would now be fully assured that their faith in Jesus was not in vain. He had overcome death by His resurrection.
2. Sent with a mission to accomplish
They had been trained by the Lord Jesus for three years. They had been taught much. They had also experienced many things in the company of their Teacher. Thy had a better understanding of being “sent”.
3. Receiving the Holy Spirit
They had just experienced the power of the Spirit of God. His power would stand them in good stead personally. His power would help them succeed in their ministry.
SPECIAL AUTHORITY ENTRUSTED
There was one more thing that the Lord Jesus would give them so that they could be effective in their ministry.
“If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; If you retain the sins of any, they are retained.”
John 20:23
1. Authority for ministry
a. This is not inherent in the disciples.
b. This authority had to be given (entrusted).
2. What kind of authority is this?
a. Authority to forgive sins is huge responsibility.
b. Authority to retain sins is just as huge a responsibility.
3. The essence of God’s forgiveness
a. God alone has the authority to forgive sins.
b. He can overlook sin.
c. He can grant pardon for sins committed.
d. He can cleanse a person’s heart of sin.
4. The essence of authority to forgive or retain sins
a. It is not exactly the same as that of God’s fullness of authority.
b. It is a verbal authority.
c. It is a declarative authority that brings about a sense of relief and assurance of God’s forgiveness.
经文：约翰福音 20：23
复活的救主显现的意义
救主复活后的显现，有深重的意义。以下几点值得注意：
1. 给门徒的确据
门徒能有充足的确据，知道他们在耶稣里的信心并非徒然。耶稣确实通过死里复活，而战胜了死亡。
2. 差遣门徒完成使命
主耶稣花了三年的时间训练门徒。耶稣教导门徒的可不少。在他们夫子的陪伴下，门徒体验了许多事物。他们对被“派遣”有了更好的理解。
3. 使门徒领受圣灵
他们刚体验到上帝的圣灵的能力。祂的能力对门徒会有极大的个人帮助，使他们在职事上取得成功。
交托特别的权柄
主耶稣还有一样装备须给予门徒，好让他们能够更有效地做事奉。
“你们赦免谁的罪，谁的罪就赦免了；你们留下谁的罪，谁的罪就留下了。”
《约翰福音 20：23》