May 28, 2023 – Pentecost

“If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.”

Boy, it’s so easy to carry a grudge. It’s so easy to be upset about that little thing that someone did to you 4 years ago and never apologized for, but still gets to you every time you see them. I mean, we’re human and it’s easy. But that’s not the Jesus way.
“If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.”

Forgiveness is a key aspect of the Christian faith. While different sects and denominations tend to have their pet doctrines, forgiveness is one of the universal and primary doctrines that to disbelieve would preclude one’s Christianity. First, it is in order to have a relationship with God, one must receive Jesus’ free gift of life by way of his blood shed on the cross. Second, one must forgive others as we have been forgiven by God. To fail to forgive others is to prove that one has not been forgiven. Often it is stated more seriously: if you do not forgive others, then you will not be forgiven by your Father in heaven (Mt 6:15).
“If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.”

For certain, the disciples, as Christians, needed to forgive those who sinned against them. But Jesus seems to mean more than that here. He seems to mean that by preaching the Gospel of forgiveness by the power of the Holy Spirit, they will be “forgiv[ing] others.”
“If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.”

Jesus is conferring great responsibility to preach. This should not be used as proof that there needs to be in the church a priestly class of Christian who are the only ones who can hear confession and pronounce forgiveness. All members of Jesus’ Church are a part of a holy priesthood (1 Pt 2:9). If the followers of Jesus do not go out and preach the Gospel, no one will know about Jesus and the way to salvation. If they do not know they cannot repent, and they cannot be saved by putting their faith in Jesus Christ, who is the way, the truth, and the life (Jn 14:6).
“If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.”

Jesus begins today by greeting us with peace. Then he breathed the Holy Spirit upon the disciples. And finally he reminded them about the need for forgiveness. 

I don’t think that Jesus’ gift of peace is automatic, even for Christians. Some of you, maybe, are paralyzed by fear, and sorrow. This fear may have very little to do with Jesus. You’re worried about money, or your kids, or your parents. You’re worried about the latest COVID variant or the next pandemic, or the direction the country is moving. Or maybe, your fears have more to do with your relationship with Jesus. You’re scared Jesus can’t give you the life he promises. You’re scared of what will happen to you, if you openly point people to Jesus. But Jesus gives his peace and reminds us about forgiveness… forgiveness for not accepting that peace. Forgiveness for not listening to Jesus, accepting Jesus, or believing in him.

The question is, will we obey Jesus in this? Will we receive his peace, and allow him to send us?

May peace be yours today.
“If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.”