"Resurrected King"(John 20:19-29)

 

John 20:19-29

 

On Easter Sunday, we are usually greeting each other with joy. Sometimes we become focused on Christ's suffering. Yet we need to remember that Jesus endured the cross because of the immense joy before Him. That same joy is what we can experience on Easter.

 'fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. '

Hebrews 12:2

 There are three reasons why we can experience joy on Easter.

The first reason is Jesus is the mediator who restored our relationship with God. Our sins kept us from God and only Jesus who was sinless could restore that relationship. Jesus had restored all things by going to the cross, bearing all our sins, and then resurrecting three days later. It is important to note that only Jesus could do this since he was fully God and fully human. We are quick to point out that Jesus was divine, but sometimes fail to notice his fleshly being. His body had been wounded and, like any one of us who is wounded, those scars remained.

 'After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord. '

John 20:20

 'Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.” '

John 20:27

 Jesus keeps repeating "Peace be with you!" Jesus restored the relationship and peace with God. The curtain that blocked us from God was torn. When Jesus returns from the dead, he speaks of peace. This is the opposite of conflict or broken relationships with God. Jesus has restored our peace.

 'Again Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” '

John 20:19

 '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!” '

John 20:21

 'A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” '

John 20:26

 The second reason we can experience joy is that Jesus came to be with us. Jesus came to us because that God sent him.

'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!” '

John 20:19

'Again Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” '

John 20:21 

'At this, some of his disciples said to one another, “What does he mean by saying, ‘In a little while you will see me no more, and then after a little while you will see me,’ and ‘Because I am going to the Father’ ?” '

John 16:17

The third reason is that just as Jesus died and was resurrected, we can also be resurrected. Resurrection is a transformation of our life. When we die and are resurrected in Christ, our lives are changed. The resurrecting power of Jesus changes our lives. 

'For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. '

1 Corinthians 15:21

 

The Resurrection gives us a new life. When Jesus appears, all the scars and wounds remained. Jesus did not show any shame. We too will have scars and wounds as we sacrifice our lives to serve Christ. We should think of our wounds in Christ's service as a badge.

 'and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?” '

John 11:26

 'Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.” Thomas said to him, “My Lord and my God!” Then Jesus told him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” '

John 20:27-29

 If you believe in Jesus without seeing Jesus, this is good. But Jesus knows that we are weak and have our faults. He will give us the strength and will make himself known to us to help our doubts about him.

Worship Songs

O Praise The Name

Resurrecting

Amazing Grace - My Chains Are Gone