Matthew 28:9–10 (ESV) — 9 And behold, Jesus met them and said, “Greetings!” And they came up and took hold of his feet and worshiped him. 10 Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid; go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee, and there they will see me.”
NOTE: Blomberg says that this is the only time in the gospels where Jesus calls his disciples 'brothers.' He uses the word 'brothers' often in other contexts, but not in direct relationship between himself and his disciples. It certainly indicates a very positive tone to the disciples who had all abandoned him only a few days ago. It also indicates that they had faith prior to Pentecost. The scriptures are not teaching that receiving the Holy Spirit is different from believing unto salvation, because the giving of the Holy Spirit the first time specifically fell on a Jewish feast. That feast, Pentecost, was remembered for the giving of the law in the old covenant. This new day, Pentecost, is when the Holy Spirit comes and the new covenant based on grace starts. The significance is important. Paul explains in Ephesians that the Spirit seals a new believer upon believing, not in a second baptism. There are other examples of the Spirit coming later, but they are one-time and significant historically for the Samaritan's Pentecost, and the Gentile's Pentecost (both with Peter).
PONDER:
- If I have truly believe in Jesus and what he did for me on the cross to secure my salvation, then I have been born again, and I have the Holy Spirit within me, and I am his brother. Do I realize my privilege?
PRAYER: Father and Lord, thank you for the privilege of being a member of the family of God. I am undeserving on my own, but because of Jesus' sacrifice, I am worthy. Thank you.
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