Peace Be With You

*(slide 1)Peace be with you!

Luke 24:36-53

FCF: People have doubts and troubled mind.

Proposition: If you find the peace that God gives, you will be stronger in the midst of trials.

Relevant ? Where can we get this peace?

*****

Illu: I was strolling in a mall, when I caught up with the band playing rock songs... I was in higher level to see the whole concert. From there, I observed the band playing loud music, and the young people are in front of the band jumping, swaying, singing, and shouting.

In the midst of screaming and chaos, I saw a girl embracing a sleeping baby. While the mother goes with the sway of the crowd, the baby is still sleeping despite the noise, and the disorder.

The baby seems to have peace in the midst of turmoil.

(Will you tell your neighbor, “Do you have peace?”)

*(Slide 2)Proposition: If you find the peace that God gives, you will be stronger in the midst of trials.

Antithesis:

1. Not all of us have peace. In fact all of us here, one way or the other, are clamoring for peace.

2. Just by going outside our homes, we fear, because of trouble.

3. For the students. Does anybody bullying?

4. In your job, in your home, in your neighborhood, with our economy, our government, etc.

5. Do we have peace? (pause)

Thesis:

1. But the peace that God gives us is everlasting peace.

2. If we have this peace it gives us the confidence to go on.

3. It is a peace of hope and prepares us to be peacemaker.

Relevant ? Where can we get this peace?

*(Slide 3)Read: Luke 24: 36-53

Synthesis:

The disciples do not know yet Jesus has risen. They gather together in “locked doors.”

Why do they have to lock their door?

Maybe they are afraid of something? Maybe they are afraid that the Pharisees will be after them.

The whole faith has crumbled. Jesus died, now what?

The emotions at that time are confusion, fear, and uncertainty.

Have you had that feeling before?

So they locked doors fearing for their lives. They talk to each other, maybe in whispering voice...

At that time they need somebody, they need assurance, and they need peace.

Where can they find peace? (pause)

All of a sudden, Jesus himself stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” (v38)

They were startled and frightened, “It’s a ghost!”

Now...

*(slide 4)Relevant ? Where can we get this peace?

I. You can find peace in Jesus, because he has risen! (vv37-39)

a. They have seen him physically.

1. Do not doubt ... see my hands and feet.

2. Do not doubt... touch me and see for your own eyes.

Illu: Dont believe until I see

Sometimes we a have this notion that, “We dont believe until we see.”

“To see is to believe.”

Then sometimes, we don’t believe what we see, “Please pinch me , pinch me.”

“I don’t believe Im here in US, pinch me!”

Application: Jesus showed himself to them to prove his resurrection. This is very important theological proof for the disciples and even for us today. If he has not risen all of our faith would be useless. Its kaput! (pause)

He appealed to their senses, and performed acts which a disembodied spirit could not do.

So we find peace in His resurrection. This is a power of God.

b. They have seen him and fellowship with them.(v40)

They are still unbelieving, so Jesus ask for a food, “Do you have something to eat?”

Was Jesus hungry?

Now let’s see. This is an Asian culture. Israel and the surrounding vicinity is Asian in general. You might notice most of the time Jesus in his gospel always includes eating.

We can see him feeding people, eating on table, attending wedding feast. There are foods!

For Asian culture, this is where they fellowship. They want to get together, to know each other intimately.

Have you ever wonder why we fellowship with food after the service every Sunday?

Illu: I observed that wherever restaurant I go, there are Asians. If not Asians, Filipinos. Fastfood, Applebees, Eat all you can, there are Filipinos. We love to eat. :D

But along with the eating is fellowship.

Jesus would like to fellowship with them. They were so frightened of the event; they want somebody to cling on to and to protect them. By fellowship, they were assured that Jesus is really is alive.

Do you have fellowship with Christ? If you do, you will find peace you cannot imagine. You may Commune with him daily.

Application: They have felt peace by seeing Jesus and by fellowship with him. If you want peace in your lives, know that Jesus has risen , a mighty power, and that you can invite him and fellowship with him. He will be with us us to fellowship with us.