ONE WEEK AFTER EASTER
John 20:26And after eight days again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them: then came Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, Peace be unto you.
It has been a week since the resurrection, Jesus appeared with his disciples again .
This time with greater excitement than at the first. That how it ought to be.
Each Sunday we should worship him with more love than before.
1. THE REVELATION OF HIS DEITY.
John 20 :19Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you.
Jesus Supernatural presences was evident.
Jesus suddenly standing in their midst was proof.
Jesus surprised them with his glory.
2. THE REASSURANCE OF THEIR FAITH.
John 20 :20And when he had so said, he shewed unto them his hands and his side. Then were the disciples glad, when they saw the LORD.
Christ speaks familiar words “Peace be with you”
He stretches out his hands to Thomas
Christ strengthened all their faith in his word.
3. JESUS RENEWAL OF THEIR COMMISSION.
John 20:21Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you.
22And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost:
23Whose so ever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whose soever sins ye retain, they are retained.
Their mission “ Go into all the world.”
Their message “The gospel of a living Lord”
Their means will be provided by Faith.
4. THE RISEN CHRIST NOW BECOMES THEIR LORD.
John 20:27Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing.
28And Thomas answered and said unto him, My LORD and my God.
Faith is now a living reality
Fear replaced with love for him
Following Jesus now becomes their chief concern.
5.NOW THEY REGROUPE THE ELEVEN.
John 21:1After these things Jesus shewed himself again to the disciples at the sea of Tiberias; and on this wise shewed he himself.
2There were together Simon Peter, and Thomas called Didymus, and Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, and the sons of Zebedee, and two other of his disciples.
His teaching was now real
Unity of purpose has now been reached
Unconditional surrender now to be his servants.
6. THE RESURRECTION POWER THAT FOLLOWED
Acts 4:31And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness.
32And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common.
33And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all.
They were witnessing ever where
They were willing to pay their lives
They walked with him in spite of all the difficulties.
7. THE RESULTS--MANY PRECIOUS SOULS WERE SAVED.
Miracles backed up their preaching.
Manifestation of God’s Love and Grace
Mercy and forgiveness can be yours now.
