Pentecost Season · Day of Pentecost · Year A
John 20:19-23 or John 7:37-39
Jesus Breathes the Spirit on the Disciples
May 24, 2026
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.
From Sermons.com: Join Today to access the most scholarly & well written preaching resources anywhere.
Take it further
Commentary
John 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 20:19-23 Center for Excellence in Preaching
A Reformed preaching commentary on John's version of Pentecost and the tie between the Spirit and forgiveness.
John 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 verse Precept Austin
A deep study page gathering Greek word studies, cross references, and many expositors on John 20.
Classic commentaries on John 20 BibleHub
A classic aggregator stacking Barnes, Gill, Ellicott, and other historic commentators verse by verse.
John 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
John Enter the Bible
A Luther Seminary book introduction to the structure and theology of the Gospel of John.
Overview: Gospel of John BibleProject
An animated overview of John's design and portrait of Jesus to frame the resurrection scene.
John 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
Prep at sermons.com
Ready to write?
- Full sermons on John 20:19-23 or John 7:37-39
- Illustrations cleared for use in worship
- Commentary, quotes, and Bible dictionary
Trusted by pastors since 1995.
Free every Tuesday
Illustrations & Sermon Prep in your inbox
The coming Sunday’s readings, a cleared-for-use illustration, and a sermon-prep head start. One email, free.