February 2, 2014

The Christian Life

Preacher:
Series:
Passage: John 20:11-32
Service Type:

Overview

  • Quite a week for the disciples:
    • The triumphal procession
    • A scary and relentlessness work schedule
    • Tensions were growing
    • Jesus said that one of the disciples would betray Him
    • Jesus spoke of Himself being the passover Lamb
    • The garden of Gethsemane
    • Judas betrayed Jesus
    • Jesus was crucified
    • Jesus was buried in the tomb
    • The disciples gripped in fear lock themselves away in the upper room
  • These stories are familiar but it is easy to lose the reality of the situation
  • Does what Jesus do in the upper room bear any significance for us or was it just reserved for His disciples?
  • This passage has very helpful things to say to Christians today
  • It helps us see what the Christian life is all about
    • Perhaps you have lost you way
    • Perhaps you are considering the claims of Jesus Christ and are not yet a believer
    • This passage instructs us

Stood

  • The doors were shut and locked (v19, v26)
  • The doors were locked to keep people & authorities out, but Jesus comes in
  • The doors are no barrier to Jesus
  • The Saviour comes and stands next to these trembling men
  • Maybe you remember a bad time when a friend has come alongside you to reassure and comfort you
  • These disciples have abandoned Jesus, are keeping everyone at arms length and have locked the doors - but Jesus comes and stands with them
  • Jesus stands with us, sinners though we are
  • The Christian life is to have Jesus stand with us

Said

  • Jesus said "peace be with you" (v19, v21)
  • 'Peace to you' was a traditional and common greeting
  • Why does Jesus repeat this twice?
    1. The disciples fled and abandoned Jesus because of their fear - Jesus speaks words of comfort (similar to the story of the prodigal son
    2. The cross is now over - Sin has been dealt with, the abandonment has passed, Christ is risen, men can now be reconciled to God
  • Have you known the weight of guilt and sin in your life to be lifted?
  • God wants you to know peace
  • The Christian life is to have Jesus say 'peace to you'

Showed

  • The disciples saw Jesus (v20)
  • Maybe you don't believe that Jesus came back from the dead
  • Thomas doubted - he would not believe unless he actually saw for himself (v25)
  • Thomas wanted to be sure
  • Jesus gives this evidence to the disciples (v20) and again for Thomas (v27)
    • It was usual for people who were crucified to have marks in the hands and the feet
    • It was highly unusual for people who were crucified to have marks on their side
    • Jesus showed this mark on His side to verify His identity
  • The Christian life is based on evidence
  • Does what we believe bear the scrutiny and evidence of Scripture?
  • Jesus did not ascend immediately so that people could see Him (over 500)
  • The Christian life is based on evidence

Sent

  • The Father sent the Son and the Son is now sending the disciples
  • The Son was sent from heaven and the disciples were sent from the upper room
  • Jesus does not send them out alone but breathes on them the Holy Spirit (v22)
  • This is a symbolic act of what will later happen in Acts 2
  • As they proclaim the gospel message some will repent and be forgiven of their sins
  • The Christian life is that we are sent
  • Live your life with Jesus with you
  • Live as if it's true
  • Live your life so others can turn to you
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