After spending three-and-a-half years with Jesus—learning from Him, watching Him, and being shaped by Him—the disciples reached their “graduation moment.” Jesus had risen from the dead, and before He returned to the Father, He met with them and gave them three life-altering gifts.
These gifts weren’t just for the disciples in that room—they’re for anyone who puts their faith in Christ.
We find them in John 20:19–22:
On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders, Jesus came and stood among them and said, ‘Peace be with you!’ After He said this, He showed them His hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord. Again Jesus said, ‘Peace be with you! As the Father has sent Me, I am sending you.’ And with that He breathed on them and said, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit.’
Here are the three graduation gifts Jesus gave—and still gives today.
1. The gift of peace: calm for anxious hearts
The very first words out of Jesus’s mouth to His frightened disciples were, “Peace be with you.” He knew their hearts were anxious and fearful—afraid of the Jewish leaders, uncertain about the future, and shaken by the events of the last few days.
Sound familiar?
Maybe you’ve just graduated from high school or college, and your own future feels foggy and overwhelming. Questions like “What will I do next?” or “How will I support myself?” might be swirling in your mind.
But hear Jesus whisper to your soul:
‘Peace be with you.’
He bought that peace for you with His blood on the cross.
Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Romans 5:1
His resurrection is the receipt that your debt has been paid in full. You no longer have to live with the crushing burden of sin, guilt, or fear.
Take a deep breath. Jesus has solved the biggest challenge in human history: our separation from God. And because you are His, you can move forward with a soul anchored in peace.
2. The gift of purpose: a mission for your life
‘As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.’ John 20:21
Jesus didn’t save you to just sit on the sidelines—He sent you into the world with purpose.
You’ve been commissioned to go and make disciples—just as Peter, James, John, D.L. Moody, and Billy Graham were.
‘Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.’ Matthew 28:19
Whether you’re heading into medicine, law, trades, education, the arts, or full-time ministry, you carry the mission of Christ with you. You don’t need a pulpit to preach. You can live and speak the Gospel wherever God plants you.
In a world full of drifting souls and aimless ambition, God has given you a compass, a rudder, and a sail.
So sail on. Make a difference. And make disciples as you go.
3. The gift of presence: never walking alone
And with that He breathed on them and said, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit.’ John 20:22
Let’s be honest—this moment was a little strange. Jesus breathes on the disciples and tells them to receive the Holy Spirit.
But that awkward breath pointed to something revolutionary: The day was coming when the Spirit of God wouldn’t just be with believers—He would live in them.
That day came at Pentecost. And now, for all who put their faith in Jesus, the same Spirit lives within us.
When you believed, you were marked in Him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of His glory. Ephesians 1:13–14
You never walk alone. Not in your job search. Not in your relationships. Not into the unknown.
You are empowered and indwelled by the Holy Spirit Himself.
So walk with confidence—not arrogance, but holy, humble swagger—because the living God lives in you.
Graduate, you’ve been gifted
Jesus has given you more than a diploma—He’s given you peace to calm your fears, purpose to guide your steps, and presence to go with you always.
These aren’t just sentimental send-offs. They’re real, life-shaping gifts that can carry you into your next chapter and beyond.
So go. Live boldly. Walk closely. Lead others. And never forget who walks with you.
Congratulations—and welcome to the mission.
