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Pentecost Season · Year A

Day of Pentecost

7th week after Easter (49 days) · May 24, 2026

The Appearance of Christ at the Cenacle, James Tissot
The Appearance of Christ at the Cenacle, James Tissot, 1886-1894Brooklyn Museum, New York
The risen Christ stands shining in the shuttered upper room, and the disciples fall on their faces around the table.When it was evening on that day, the first day of the week, and the doors of the house where the disciples had met were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.”James TissotA French painter who spent ten years illustrating the life of Christ.Brooklyn Museum, New YorkBrooklyn Museum, New York.Brooklyn Museum, New York
Revised Common Lectionary
GospelJohn 20:19-23Jn 20:19-23 orJohn 7:37-39Jn 7:37-39
Epistle1 Cor. 12:3b-131 Cor 12:3b-13 orActs 2:1-21
Old TestamentActs 2:1-21 orNum. 11:24-30Nm 11:24-30
PsalterPs. 104:24-34, 35bPs 104:24-34, 35b

Overview & Insights

"When he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, 'Receive the Holy Spirit.'" (John 20:22)

On the evening of Easter the risen Jesus appears to the fearful disciples behind locked doors, shows them his wounds, and gives them peace. He breathes on them, giving the Holy Spirit and sending them out with authority to forgive sins.

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Take it further: John 20:19-23 or John 7:37-39

Commentary

John 20:19-23Jn 20:19-23 Working Preacher

A Luther Seminary commentary reading John's quieter Pentecost, the risen Jesus breathing the Spirit and sending the disciples on mission.

John 20:19-23Jn 20:19-23 Center for Excellence in Preaching

A Reformed preaching commentary on John's version of Pentecost and the tie between the Spirit and forgiveness.

John 20Jn 20 Enduring Word · David Guzik

A verse by verse evangelical commentary on the Easter appearances and the gift of the Spirit.

John 20 verse by verseJn 20 verse by verse Precept Austin

A deep study page gathering Greek word studies, cross references, and many expositors on John 20.

Classic commentaries on John 20Classic commentaries on Jn 20 BibleHub

A classic aggregator stacking Barnes, Gill, Ellicott, and other historic commentators verse by verse.

John 20, Expository NotesJn 20, Expository Notes StudyLight

Thomas Constable's expository notes tracing the flow of John's resurrection chapter.

The Prophetic Imagination, Day of Pentecost (A) Sermons That Work · Episcopal Church

An Episcopal Sermons That Work model sermon for the Day of Pentecost in Year A.

Background & Word Study

Overview: Gospel of JohnOverview: Gospel of Jn BibleProject

An animated overview of John's design and portrait of Jesus to frame the resurrection scene.

John 20 interlinearJn 20 interlinear BibleHub

The Greek text of John 20 word by word with parsing and Strong's numbers for the breathing of the Spirit.

The Church Fathers

John 20, patristic commentaryJn 20, patristic commentary Catena

A verse linked catena gathering patristic comment on John 20.

Worship & Prayers

Worship Planning Helps UMC Discipleship

United Methodist worship and preaching planning helps with prayers and liturgical resources for the Day of Pentecost.

Podcast

Sermon Brainwave: Day of Pentecost Working Preacher

The Sermon Brainwave roundtable working through the Year A readings for the Day of Pentecost.

Art & Music

Art in the Christian Tradition Vanderbilt

A curated image index for the Day of Pentecost across the history of Christian art.

Prep at sermons.com

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  • Illustrations cleared for use in worship
  • Commentary, quotes, and Bible dictionary
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