Sunday, April 26,20200
Greetings… Last week we pondered the question, “Why do we look for life in places of death”. In our scripture Mary Magdalen had made her way to the tomb expecting to find a lifeless body but instead found the risen Savior… Jesus.
This morning we will journey through yet another account of Christ resurrection and his appearance.
After Jesus rose from the dead, he appeared to his disciples on several different occasions.
We don’t know every single time that Jesus appeared to his disciples during these 40 days. John himself explained how the Gospel accounts were not a complete historical record, “Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book” (John 20:30).
However, the Gospels do record several of them. In all, Jesus is recorded as appearing 10 times to his disciples in his resurrected body.
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 that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name. John 20: 30 - 31
Quick Connect : God reveals himself to us that we may believe.
Connecting with the Word John 20: 24-31
24 Now Thomas (also known as Didymus), 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.”
The Purpose of John’s Gospel
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 that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.
Connection Point:
God reveals himself to us that we may believe.
God reveled Himself to Thomas that he may be convinced of Jesus’s resurrection, that he may believe in the impossible.
The depth of a miracle is found in the possibilities of it being true.
Have you ever struggled believing something when it appeared too good to be true?
That is exactly where Thomas is… Although he had been told by the others, it was just too good to be true, Jesus is alive.
Ephesians 3:14-21
14 For this reason I kneel before the Father, 15 from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name. 16 I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, 18 may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, 19 and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.
20 Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. Ephesians 3: 14 – 21
Point to Ponder
God works out the impossible for our benefit.
I like what Eddie Arnold says in “The God Who Shows Himself”
The Lord came to Thomas that he may believe.
He came not to ridicule or belittle him.
God in Flesh – Jesus Christ – Our Messiah and LORD came to Thomas to help him, encourage him and renew his strength. Jesus came and allowed Thomas to see for himself. Jesus invited Thomas to see the scars on his body. Jesus invited Thomas to touch the wounds on his hands and the scar on his side. You see God understands our confusion and doubt. God understands those times that we struggle with reading our Bibles, taking time out to pray and being faithful in our church attendance. God understands those times that we don’t know what to say or what direction to turn. We do not serve a God who seeks to shame us or harm us.
Connecting with the Word Luke 24:13-35
On the Road to Emmaus
13 Now that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles[a] from Jerusalem. 14 They were talking with each other about everything that had happened. 15 As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked along with them; 16 but they were kept from recognizing him. 17 He asked them, “What are you discussing together as you walk along?” They stood still, their faces downcast. 18 One of them, named Cleopas, asked him, “Are you the only one visiting Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?” 19 “What things?” he asked. “About Jesus of Nazareth,” they replied. “He was a prophet, powerful in word and deed before God and all the people. 20 The chief priests and our rulers handed him over to be sentenced to death, and they crucified him; 21 but we had hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel. And what is more, it is the third day since all this took place. 22 In addition, some of our women amazed us. They went to the tomb early this morning 23 but didn’t find his body. They came and told us that they had seen a vision of angels, who said he was alive. 24 Then some of our companions went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but they did not see Jesus.” 25 He said to them, “How foolish you are, and how slow to believe all that the prophets have spoken! 26 Did not the Messiah have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?” 27 And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself. 28 As they approached the village to which they were going, Jesus continued on as if he were going farther. 29 But they urged him strongly, “Stay with us, for it is nearly evening; the day is almost over.” So he went in to stay with them. 30 When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. 31 Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight. 32 They asked each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?” 33 They got up and returned at once to Jerusalem. There they found the Eleven and those with them, assembled together 34 and saying, “It is true! The Lord has risen and has appeared to Simon.” 35 Then the two told what had happened on the way, and how Jesus was recognized by them when he broke the bread.
Connection Point
1. God reveals himself to us in familiar ways.
As Jesus broke the bread and gave thanks…
A. The Lord reveals himself to us in familiar ways. In there lies the importance and befit of practicing the presence of Christ in our lives. Spending time with God in worship, fellowship and service. That his ways may become familiar to us.
B. The Lord reveals himself to us in unfamiliar ways as well. He is found in places… we didn’t except. In there lies the importance of being open the Holy Spirit.
2. God reveals himself to us to provide us with a different perspective.
Jesus reminded the disciples of His words…, now it began to make sense.
A. The Lord reveals himself to us so that we may have a different, “Right” perspective on things.
3. God revels himself to us to teach us something new.