Peace to you is a common greeting not just among Jewish people but in many cultures. It was never more true than when Jesus, a tangible and physical Jesus, appeared in the middle of a locked room with His disciples. Jesus declared peace because He had accomplished peace. He had brought peace between men and God. He had reunited them. Scholars debate the proper translation of verse 23, especially the tense of the verbs. But Jesus charges the disciples with forgiveness of sin. The disciples, and we as Christians, don’t have the power to forgive sins. But we do hold the key to that forgiveness, the Gospel. We are charged with telling people how they can be forgiven for their sins. And Jesus has given us the Holy Spirit, to help us proclaim the truth of the Gospel.
It is worthwhile to note that at His first appearance to the disciples after the Resurrection, Jesus commissioned them to spread the gospel. He gave them the secret of forgiveness of sin. People will deny the very concept of sin. But deep inside, we all feel our own sin. The news of forgiveness will be welcomed by many when they hear it, and it is our great pleasure to be able to tell them.
Who else do you know who needs to know that Jesus is alive and that He offers forgiveness and peace? Commit to reaching out to that person in love.