The disciples would never forget this night. It was perhaps the most memorable moment of their entire lives.

Jesus had just resurrected from the dead, but the disciples didn’t know it. They just knew His tomb was empty. So being full of fear, they ran! They found an upper room to hide, and to wait. And they waited all day long. They didn’t have a plan B.

But then it happened. Jesus unexpectedly walked right through the wall and into their presence. They were freaking out. A dead man just walked into their room and began talking to them. But then the light bulbs started turning on in their heads.

“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.” John 20:20-21 NLT

It was absolutely mind-boggling. They saw Him killed three days earlier, but now He was alive! How do you process that? It was a mixture of fear, joy, surprise and unbelief all rolled together. They were so relieved.

But then He told them something that would change and define their lives forever. Here it is:

“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 20:20-23 NLT

What did He mean? He was commissioning them with His word, the filling of the Spirit, and His authority to proclaim forgiveness to others. Or not. They now possessed everything they needed to do His will. The only thing that could hinder them was themselves.

So, surprise! We now all have this same commission, same Spirit and same authority. This is why we all must die to ourselves daily, and say, “Lord, I’m available today!”

If you pray it daily, watch out, because God is going to also surprise you with His presence!