IT HAS NOW BEEN A WEEK THAT CHRIST DIED
John 20:26 And 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.
One week after his resurrection, Christ appeared with his disciples again with more excitement than the first time. This is the way it should be ; not a big let down but a big lift up.
Each Sunday we should be more meaningful in our love for him.
(1) The Revelation of his Diety.
John 20:19 Then 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 presence was evident
Christ suddenly standing in their mist
Jesus surprised them with his resurrection glory.
(2) Reassurance of their faith.
John 20:20 And when he had so said, he shewed unto them his hands and his side. Then were the disciples glad, when they saw the LORD.
Jesus speaks familiar words
Jesus stretches out his hands to Thomas
Jesus strengthened all their faith in his word.
(3)The renewal of their commission.
John20:21 Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you
20:22 And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost:
20:23 Whose soever 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 the living Lord
Our means provided by the Lord.
(4) Now the risen Christ is their Lord
John 20:27 Then 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.
20:28 And Thomas answered and said unto him, My LORD and my God.
Faith is now a living reality
Fear has been replaced with love
Following Christ is now their chief concern
(5) The regrouping of the eleven.
John 21:1 After these things Jesus shewed himself again to the disciples at the sea of Tiberias; and on this wise shewed he himself.
21:2 There 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.
Understanding of Christ teachings now real
Unity of purpose has now been reached
Unconditional surrender to be his servants
(6) The resurrection power that followed
Acts 4:31 And 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.
4:32 And 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.
4:33 And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all.
They went everywhere witnessing for him
They were willing to pay with their lives
They walked with God in spite of all 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 ours today.
