The Risen Jesus Provides Peace

THE RISEN JESUS PROVIDES PEACE (Outline)

April 6, 2008 –

EASTER 3 -

Luke 23:36-49

INTRO: Today’s gospel spoke of Jesus walking on the way to Emmaus with some disciples (Luke 23:13-35). It took them a long time to see and believe. Thomas would not believe until he had seen the nail prints in Jesus’ hands and feet. Seeing is believing. Today Jesus is not going to appear to us physically and show us his hands and feet. We will not be able to touch the scars that the nails left on him. Yet by faith through grace, you and I and every believer is able to see and believe. God’s word is the word of peace that our risen Savior, Jesus provides. "Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls"(1 PETER 1:8,9). Be filled with joy today as we study what the peace of God means for mankind and us.

THE RISEN JESUS PROVIDES PEACE.

I. Jesus’ peace is positive proof.

II. Jesus’ peace is to be proclaimed.

I. JESUS’ PEACE IS POSITIVE PROOF

A. Please read today’s gospel (listed below and above). The Emmaus disciples return to Jerusalem.

1. They have great news. Before they can speak the Jerusalem disciples share their news.

2. “Christ is alive”, just as the women said. “The tomb is empty”. “Peter saw this miracle”.

B. Verse 36. Jesus speaks “peace” to those in the midst of all this excited discussion.

1. Jesus knows they need to hear peace to calm their fears. They are still scared, verse 37.

2. All the witnesses claimed that Jesus was alive but this truth was still not easily believed.

C. Verse 38. Jesus allows no time for doubting questions. “Look at my flesh…touch”, verse 39, 40.

1. The disciples were still amazed beyond belief, verse 41. Jesus actions will speak volumes.

2. Verses 41b, 42. Jesus asks for food. There is nothing more mortal than eating.

3. Verse 43. Jesus ate in their presence. Jesus’ words said “peace”. His actions proved it.

D. In the midst of seeing Jesus there was still utter amazement and doubt. Are we any different than those early disciples? Do we always believe and trust in God above all things? At times, our doubt can cause us to not believe all the precious promises of our Savior. Jesus came to the disciples in the midst of a storm, walking on the water. With great faith Peter walked out to the Lord on the water at Jesus’ invitation. But, then, we are told Peter saw the wind. Peter began to sink. Peter did not drown. "Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. ‘You of little faith,’ he said, ‘why did you doubt?’" (MATTHEW 14:31). Jesus does the same for us. When we begin to sink Jesus reaches out to save us from the abyss of doubt. Every furious wave of doubt can be calmed by the words of Jesus’ peace.

E. Why do we doubt? Why do sink in the worries of this life? This happens simply because we lose our focus. Like Peter we see the turbulence all around us. We take our eyes off of Jesus and doubt becomes an anchor. We take our eyes off of Jesus and self-trust weighs us down. Anytime we do not fear, love, and trust in God above all things we sink in the sinfulness of our own making. Jesus says to us “peace”. "Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God"(HEBREWS 12:2).

F. This peace of Jesus is positive proof that he has overcome all things for us. The cross took the life of Jesus for our freedom from sin. The grave held Jesus briefly for our victory over death forever. Jesus rose again to life to prove to all of creation that nothing can overcome his power or his love for mankind. Truly this is the peace of God. This is the peace of Jesus, our Savior, which the world cannot give. "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid"(JOHN 14:27). The world offers the peace of wealth. But people are still physically, spiritually, and morally bankrupt. The world offers the peace of health but mankind still suffers with the insidious infection of sin. The world offers peace but the peace of this world always fails. Jesus’ peace is the forgiveness of sins provided by Jesus’ resurrection. Jesus’ peace does not fail!