Receive the Holy Spirit – Not an Option – A Direction From Jesus –

Following Jesus From the Edges

THE JESUS NO – OPTION  Devotionals – Part 6

Receive the Holy Spirit

Pastor Calvin Cook

May 22, 2026

Scripture Focus: John 20:19-22; Acts 1:4-8; Acts 2:1-4

“And with that He breathed on them and said, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit.’” — John 20:22

As I continue reflecting on the “no-option” directions of Jesus, I find myself drawn to one of His simplest yet most profound commands and with the remembrance of Pentecost coming this weekend – I am drawn to consider the direction Jesus gave without an option “Receive the Holy Spirit”.

Notice what Jesus did not say:  “Consider the Holy Spirit.” “Study the Holy Spirit for a while and decide later.” “Receive Him if it fits your personality, background, or comfort level.”

Jesus simply breathed upon His disciples and gave a clear instruction: “Receive the Holy Spirit.” This was not a suggestion. It was direction.

Please note the receiving or Baptism of the Holy Spirit came after surrender and submission to Jesus through the acceptance of Jesus as Lord and Savior of the followers. Nothing has changed about this.

The disciples had already seen the risen Christ. They had witnessed miracles. They had heard His teaching. Yet Jesus knew they could never accomplish His mission through their own wisdom, strength, talent, or determination.

They needed the presence and power of God living within them. So they obeyed. They surrendered.

After the ascension, they gathered in prayer and waited as Jesus instructed. Then on the Day of Pentecost, the promise became reality. The Holy Spirit filled the believers, empowered their witnesses, transformed fearful followers into bold disciples, and gave birth to the church.

The church did not begin because people developed a better strategy. The church did not begin because someone created a marketing plan. The church began because ordinary people obeyed an extraordinary command: Receive the Holy Spirit.

I wonder how often we attempt to do ministry, raise families, make decisions, face temptations, overcome struggles, or serve Christ relying on our own strength while neglecting the very gift Jesus commanded us to receive.

The same Holy Spirit who empowered the people of the early church, gave Peter the words to preach, strengthened believers to endure persecution, and transformed communities is still available today.

The instruction has not changed. Receive the Holy Spirit. Receive His conviction. Receive His guidance. Receive His comfort. Receive His power. Receive His presence.

Perhaps what many churches need today is not another program. Perhaps what many believers need today is not more information. Perhaps what we need most is to return to the direction Jesus gave from the beginning.

To pray. To wait. To surrender. And to receive the Holy Spirit.

Because when Jesus says, “Receive the Holy Spirit,” He is not offering one option among many.

Right now, in this day, in this moment – Jesus is showing us how His people become the Church and how ordinary lives become vessels of God’s extraordinary work through these words “Receive the Holy Spirit”