Scripture: John 20:19-31 (NIV)
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!” 20 After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord.
21 Again Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” 22 And with that he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit. 23 If you forgive anyone’s sins, their sins are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven.”
24 Now Thomas (also known as Didymus[a]), one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came. 25 So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord!”
But he said to them, “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.”
26 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!” 27 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.”
28 Thomas said to him, “My Lord and my God!”
29 Then Jesus told him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”
30 Jesus performed many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book. 31 But these are written that you may believe[b] that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.
INTRO:
Have you ever noticed that certain people possess an extra amount of charisma, charm, and allure? Their presence makes a room come alive. There is a magnetic pull towards them as they begin to talk and walk around. They have that something "special" that causes people to stop and listen. They have that something "special" that speaks to the very heart of people's lives.
The men and women who served with Generals George S. Patton or Douglas MacArthur would tell you that both of these men possessed this something "special." When they walked into a room, the whole atmosphere of the room changed. You knew someone important was present. People rushed to be near them and hushed to hear them speak.
Others have commanded this kind of attention. People like Elvis Presley. Elvis was able to electrify audiences with his voice and presence. Former Presidents John F. Kennedy and Ronald Regan both possessed magnetic personalities. When they started to talk, people stopped what they were doing to drink in their every word. Former President Bill Clinton continues to allure large crowds who are passionate about sharing space with him and hearing him speak. Clinton is a master communicator as well as someone who is able to make everyone feel like they belong and are needed. He has the ability to hold an audience in his hands. He has that something "special", that charisma, that appeal and that charm.
However, there is one that possessed more charisma, more of that something "special" than any of those that I have mentioned. As charismatic, as charming and as electrifying as all of these men were no one had more power to change the atmosphere of a room than our Savior and LORD Jesus Christ. No one. Jesus was able to command the attention of thousands of men, women and children for hours, for days at a time. He possessed charisma plus.
Our reading (John 20:19- 31) this morning deals with one of those electric moments in the life of Jesus and his followers. It deals with one of those times when Jesus' mere presence in a room transformed everything. Instantly, with Jesus' presence things went from negative to positive. With Jesus in the room there came courage and faith where there once was fear and doubt. With Jesus in the room there was laughter and joy where once there had been sorrow and despair.
And what Jesus was able to do in that room so long ago, I believe this morning He wants to do in our lives and in our Church Services each and every Sunday morning. I believe when we invite Jesus to be present among us we will experience seasons of joy, peace, transformation, salvation, courage and faith in amazing ways. Ways that will change not only the atmosphere of our worship settings, but ways that will change all of us as well.
So, what exactly in this passage do we see Jesus' doing? What can His presence do to a room full of people. Especially a people that need courage, direction and faith.
I. We see that Jesus' Presence casts out all fear and ushers in a state of peace and harmony.
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!” (NIV)
The disciples gathered in that room had every grounds to be terrified The Romans had just crucified their Rabbi, their leader. As far as they knew they would be the next ones nailed to those wooden stakes overlooking the city on Golgotha's hillside. And instead of there being only three crosses there would be at least 11 or more. I am sure you could smell the anxiety and fear in that room that morning as they hid.
With Jesus dead, it wouldn't take long for the Sadducees and the Pharisees to gather up his remaining followers. In no time Jesus' teachings and influence would simply fade away like leaves falling from a tree. Sure there would be some who try to hold on, to still be obedient to His teachings but with enough threats and pressure they would buckle under and grow silent. The Jesus Movement would soon be as dead as Jesus was lying in the tomb.
Jesus had been found guilty of both treason and blasphemy. By following him, they too would be labeled as blasphemers and traitors. How long could they hide out in Jerusalem before it was safe to go back to Galilee? Would it ever be safe to go back to Galilee? What would they do now? They had given up everything to follow Jesus. What would they do if someone found where they were hiding? What was that noise? Was that the Romans coming to arrest them?
No doubt they were afraid, not just for their lives but for their families lives as well. When Jesus had told them to pick up their cross and follow Him, they had never thought he really meant that a real cross could be their fate. Now, as they huddled together, afraid and behind closed doors that looked very much like their doom.
But then it happened. Gloriously it happened. Suddenly in the middle of their anxiety and angst Jesus appears. Jesus appeared. Not even a locked door could keep Him out. Not even a room filled with fear, doubt and despair could keep Him out. Jesus was here and Jesus was bringing peace and harmony.
For that is what Jesus does with our fear, with our anxieties and with our despair. When Jesus comes into our midst, they all begin to vanish. Instead of fear, comes courage. In place of anxiety there comes peace and tranquility. Despair is replaced with joy, laughter and celebration. All of those negative feelings cannot reside in the same place as our Risen Lord.
This is what the writer of Psalms 107 testifies to as well. Psalms 107 is a song about peace - the peace that God brought into the lives of four groups of people who find themselves in great peril. The psalmist sings about wanderers having no place to go (1-9), imprisoned people (10-16), people injured by their own sinfulness ( 17-22) and sailors overwhelmed by a storm (23-32). All four groups beleaguered and overwhelmed. In each case their only hope is to cry out to the LORD for salvation. And in each case the LORD rescues, redeems and restores. In each case God brings peace to their souls. He restores balance in their lives and the singer rejoices as he sings this psalm.
We love such stories, such songs. It is why Horatio Spafford's song, IT IS WELL WITH MY SOUL resonates in the souls and hearts of so many in our world. Especially once we know the background of the song. Once we know what had happened to this man and his family.
By the late 1860's, Horatio's family was climbing up the social ladder in Chicago. Through hard work they were not among the social elite. Horatio was both a successful lawyer and businessmen. The sky was the limit. Fame and fortune were on their doorstep.
Then came the great Chicago Fire of 1871. Horatio's growing empire was devastated. Much of his real estate had been engulfed by the flames. But they young lawyer was not defeated. He immediately set about remaking his fortunes and rebuilding his kingdom. At first things were going well but then in 1873 he was smacked again, this time it was a sudden economic downturn. First the fire and now a recession. It future did not look good for Horatio and his family.
The family had already planned to take a European for a time of recreation and respite before this last turn of events. However, some pressing zoning concerns looked like it would derail their plans. To ensure the vacation, Horatio sent his wife and four girls ahead of him, while he would take care of the zoning issues. It was his hope that he would catch up with then in a few weeks on another ship. Then they could all enjoy some time of rest and relaxation.
Tragically, that reunion never occurred. The boat carrying his family was broadsided by another ship resulting in the death of 226 passengers and crew. All four of Horatio's daughters were lost at sea. Only Anna, his brokenhearted wife survived. As soon as possible she sent word of what happened to her husband. Horatio immediately boarded a boat to be with his grieving wife. She needed him much more than his business needed him. Both of their hearts were broken. First there was the fire, then the recession and now death. Their lives were in a shambles.
On the voyage to France, Horatio asked the ship's captain to inform him when they would pass by the area where the accident had occurred. He wanted to take a moment and honor his four girls. Horatio was seeking a moment of connection as well as closure. He was full of anxiety, brokenhearted and full of despair.
But then Jesus came over his soul. For it was here looking over the waters where his daughters had plunged to their deaths that Horatio was inspired to begin to write the Song - IT IS WELL WITH MY SOUL. Over the same waters that covered their watery graves, Jesus began to fill his heart with peace and courage. Horatio knew God had not abandoned him, but that God was right there with him. Horatio knew that God would be with him and Anna, no matter what the future would hold.
History tells us that Horatio and his wife had other children. With God's help they rebuilt their lives. In their later years they founded the American Colony in Jerusalem. There they constructed and partnered with soup kitchens, hospitals and orphanages. God had taken their fear, their sorrow and had given them peace. God had given them a new place to pour out their lives. Not among the elite of Chicago but among the poor and needy of Jerusalem.
For the disciples, for those of Psalm 107 and for the Spaffords there is a common underlying theme - that of Jesus. All of them found themselves alone, afraid and fearing the future. There is nothing wrong with fear - at times it is healthy. But unchecked fear will try to dominate or lives. The Devil will use fear to destroy us. He tried to do that with the disciples, and with those in Ps. 107 and with the Spaffords. And he will try to do it to us.
When you find yourself afraid - look around you - call on Jesus for He will be in your midst. He will come and bring peace. He will come and take away despair and replace it with courage.
II. Peace wasn't the only gift Jesus' presence ushered that day for we see in verse 20 that Jesus' Presence brought great JOY.
20 After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord.
The disciples were overcome with joy when Jesus arrived in their midst. More than anything they wanted to be with Jesus.
Joy is such a wonderful thing and yet for all to many people it is evasive. These disciples learned that true joy is relational in nature. That is to say, true, lasting joy happens between people.
Our society promotes that true joy can be found in things and in the possession of things. All you have to do is watch a car or phone commercial. The idea is that if you own this item or that item you will suddenly be overwhelmed with great lasting joy and happiness. And yet, history is littered with stories that belie that premise. Joy lasts about as long as the shine does on our new toy. In a matter of days people are again overwhelmed with a sense of loneliness and despair. Often because after the shine wears off the payments continue on and on.
All of this reminds us of Jesus' story of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32). This young man was determined to find joy. He did all he could, spent all he had to find true joy only to fail. True joy eluded him because you can simply cannot find true joy in materialism and in superficial relationships. Jesus tells us that he came to his senses (in the hog lot) and realized that true joy was back with the Father. True joy was back among people that loved him and that cared for him. True joy was to be found in relationship.
Charles F. Weigle's hymn, NO ONE EVER CARED FOR ME LIKE JESUS captures this reality. Listen to the chorus of that hymn: "No one ever cared for me like Jesus; there's no other friend so kind as He. No one else could take the sin and darkness from me, O how much He cared for me!" The whole hymn deals not with things but with a personal relationship with Jesus. A relationship that brings first peace and then joy.
The disciple rejoiced that day - peace and joy filled that little house - because Jesus was in their midst. Joy replaced fear and sorrow because of Jesus being there. Joy, laughter and celebration filled the air.
If we could only experience this as we gather together as His people today. If only Jesus' disciples today could only experience His presence of joy, laughter and celebration. How different would be the air in our sanctuaries. Our services must be saturated by His Peace and His Joy. And what a difference that would make in what we do here, what we experience here each Lord's Day.
Pope Francis is right when he stated
-- "An evangelizer must never look like someone who has just come back from a funeral." ("Evangelii Gaudium," Nov. 24, 2013).
In other words - in our churches there should be a spirit of joy, of laughter and celebration. For in the Church there is life - in the world there is death. In the Church there is peace and joy - in the world there is sorrow, pain and despair.
But without Jesus - the Church will look and feel forlorn. Without Jesus these disciples were full of gloom, heartache and despair. Without Jesus they could only hid and lock their doors. But with Jesus - there is JOY. There is a spirit of enjoyment, there is a an atmosphere of praise.
Is it not time we allow Jesus to bring joy back into our fellowships? It is not time to cast out Hell's doom and gloom from our faces? Paul tells us to rejoice, to rejoice evermore (1 Thessalonians 5:16).
Charles Spurgeon in his sermon on Rejoice Evermore (Number 1900 - May 23, 1886 at the Metropolitan Tabernacle) shares this challenge:
Some things are to be done at one time, some at another, but rejoicing is for all times, forever and forevermore, which, I suppose, is more than ever, if more can be! Fill life’s sea with joy up to the high water mark. Spare not, stint not, when rejoicing is the order of the day. Run out to your full tether, sweep your largest circle when you use the golden compasses of joy! Some things being once done are done with and you need not further meddle with them; but you have never done with rejoicing. “Rejoice evermore.”
Finally, let's look at verse 21 - 24 where
III. Jesus breaths upon them THE HOLY SPIRIT
21 Again Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” 22 And with that he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit. 23 If you forgive anyone’s sins, their sins are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven.” (NIV)
Jesus brought them more than just a momentary state of peace and joy. Jesus understood that the disciples needed more than just a good Lord's Day. They needed more than just a Holy Ghost goose bump experience. They needed His Spirit to be breathed into them.
And so, Jesus simply breathed on them His Holy Spirit. He filled the air with His Spirit for them to receive, enjoy and experience.
In Genesis 1 we read how God breathed (spoke) over the waters and creation takes form.
In Genesis 2 we read of where God breathes into a lump of clay and Adam becomes a living soul.
In Ezekiel 37 we read where God breathes new life into a valley of dry, dead bones.
And now Jesus breathes into these men and gives them
+New Life +New Power +New Presence
No longer are they to live under their own power but they are to live as new people. Individual and corporately filled with His Breath - with His Spirit. They are to be change agents in our world.
Brother John Michael Talbot is one of those men who was changed and is being changed by the breath of Jesus each and every day. Today he is one of our Catholic friends foremost songwriters. He is truly a gift from the Lord above. But it wasn't always that way. John started out as a confused, yet searching young man dipping into all kinds of belief systems. He tried the way of the Native American only to turn to Buddhism. Both brought some peace but it wasn't until he discovered the love of Jesus that John Michael found true peace, true joy and was infilled with the Breath of God. Our Lord lead him away from a life of rock music to a life of contemplative folk music focusing on God and His Presence. John wrote this little song that speaks of having God breathe on us:
BREATH ONE ME - BY JOHN MICHAEL TALBOT
Breathe on me, Holy Spirit of God
Breathe on me, fill me anew
Breathe on me, Holy Spirit of God
To love what You love and to do what You do
Breathe on me, Holy Spirit of God
Breathe on me, fill me anew
Breathe on me, Holy Spirit of God
To love what You love and to do what You do
Breathe on me, breath of God
Make my heart pure
Conform my will to Your holy will
To choose a life of virtue
Breathe on me, Holy Spirit of God
Breathe on me, fill me anew
Breathe on me, Holy Spirit of God
To love what You love and to do what You do
Breathe on me, breath of God
So I shall never die
But live in the Spirit eternally
Live in the Spirit of life
Breathe on me, Holy Spirit of God
Breathe on me, fill me anew
Breathe on me, Holy Spirit of God
To love what You love and to do what You do
Breathe on me, Holy Spirit of God
Breathe on me, fill me anew
Breathe on me, Holy Spirit of God
To love what You love and to do what You do
If this could only be our passion and desire, how different our lives would be, how different our times of worship and praise would be each Lord's Day. To come and receive the breath of Jesus each Lord's Day. To be filled with His Spirit. To be cleansed, renewed, filled with His power and presence. To have as our sole desire to experience and be renewed by the breath/Spirit of Jesus.
IV. Fourthly, we see that Jesus' Presence brings peace, joy, the Spirit and forgiveness.
. 23 If you forgive anyone’s sins, their sins are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven.” (NIV)
As much as these men needed peace, joy and Jesus' Spirit they also needed to experience forgiveness and the ability to grant forgiveness. These were men who had loved Jesus, who had followed Jesus but in the end had forsaken Jesus. Even now they were afraid to tell others about him. Even now they hid out of fear, out of doubt in despair.
No doubt guilt was tearing at their souls. But with Jesus comes the freedom to be forgiven and to forgive. When Jesus is in the House the penalties and the power of sin are removed. When Jesus is in the house there is the sweet smell of compassion, grace and mercy. The air is filled with the aroma of pure grace. There is only the absolution of sin, the removal of guilt and shame. There is freedom.
God's house is the one place where the foulest can be made clean and where the Prodigal is welcomed home. God's house is the place where we can all be whiter than snow.
Jesus could have shown up and pronounced judgment. No one could have stopped him. After all they were all guilty of doubt and desertion. But God did not come to condemn our world, but through His blood, His death and His resurrection to give us new life. (John 3:16-17) Jesus came to bestow upon us freedom, freedom from the penalty and power of sin over our lives.
And he gives us the ability to forgive others. He allows us to make real in our lives - "forgive us our trespasses as we forgive others who have trespass against us." (Matthew 6:12)
The joy of the LORD is not only in receiving forgiveness but also in granting forgiveness. Today, rejoice in your forgiveness and at the same time bestow upon all those around you forgiveness. Release all debts. Release all transgressions. Allow God's peace, His joy, His Spirit to enable you to forgive those who have harmed you, you have hurt you and who have sinned against you. In doing so, you allow Christ to truly cleanse your soul. For none of us are truly free until we are free of our sins and the sins of others as well.
V. Finally, we see that Jesus' Presence leads us to a life of great adventures - verse 30
30 Jesus performed many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book. 31 But these are written that you may believe[b] that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.
Jesus' presence brought peace, joy, the breath of His Spirit and forgiveness and it leads us to a life of great adventure.
John was unable to write all the wonderful things that happened with Jesus. John simply did not have enough parchment or time to record all the signs and wonders. I think he shared that with us for a purpose however. He wanted his readers to know that there was more to living in Jesus than even he could write down.
There was more to Jesus than all that he could tell us in His Gospel. And he wanted us to be aware that as long as Jesus was in our midst then there would never be an end to the story. There would never be an end to all the wonderful events that could happen when we allow Jesus to lead us, guide us and live in our midst.
He repeats a similar passage at the end of his gospel in John 21:31 - again he hints to a life of adventure with Jesus. One that will take one places thought impossible. A place where in the midst of great trials we can be at peace. A place where we can be overwhelmed with great joy. A place where we can experience anew His Breath - His Holy Spirit. A place where we can free refreshed and anew with the absolution of all sin and we can do the same for others. A place where we can rejoice in the forgiveness of all sin. And a place where even we could not tell of all the ways Jesus has become real in our lives.
This morning, Jesus' Presence makes all the difference.
In place of doubt, fear and despair - Jesus will bring peace, courage and faith.
In the place of sorrow - Jesus will bring great joy.
In the place of loneliness - Jesus will breath upon us and in us - His Holy Spirit - to lead, guide and transform us from the inside out.
In the place of transgressions and sins - Jesus will bring healing and forgiveness. He will usher in mercy and grace and freedom.
In a life without direction - Jesus invites us to a life of adventure.
Where is Jesus right now in Your Life? Are you at peace? Are you experiencing true joy? Are you filled with His Holy Spirit? Are you free of all your sins? Are you enjoying your adventures with Jesus?
As we sing - BREATHE ON ME, BREATH OF GOD - would you allow Him to come anew in your life - to bring to those who need peace, who need joy, who need forgiveness and grace. Would you as you sing - breath again the breath of God in your life. And would you take the time to praise and thank God for His invitation to an abundant life.
Let us pray,
Heavenly Father, we come to you today as your disciples. We rejoice in Your peace and Your Joy. Allow our lives to be filled with Your Holy Spirit. We rejoice in Your grace and mercy. Grant us opportunities to forgive others. Grant us to help others come to rejoice in your forgiveness.
Holy Spirit come into our midst and transform our lives and our church. Once again bring your Presence and Power into Your Body - the Church. Send us forth guided and led by Your Spirit. Grant us wisdom, knowledge and fullness so that we may partner with You as peace agents, that we may fill the lives of others with joy and that we may bring and grant a spirit of forgiveness to all that we meet and commune. We rest in You. We praise You. We love You with all our hearts, mind and strength. Amen.
