Hey friends,
Here’s my recent Sermon. We’re keeping the post-resurrection theme until Mother’s Day then Pentecost Sunday (5/19).
The sermons are kinda short because we do a sermon recap with different people sharing additional insights and observations about the sermon.
Title: Breath of Life: The Power of Jesus' Resurrection Presence
[Jhn 20:19-22 NLT] 19 That Sunday evening the disciples were meeting behind locked doors because they were afraid of the Jewish leaders. Suddenly, Jesus was standing there among them! "Peace be with you," he said. 20 As he spoke, he showed them the wounds in his hands and his side. They were filled with joy when they saw the Lord! 21 Again he said, "Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I am sending you." 22 Then he breathed on them and said, "Receive the Holy Spirit.”
Context: From Blue Letter Bible
Where the disciples were assembled: It was good that the disciples stayed together. Jesus told them that when He departed they must love one another, which assumes that they would stay together (John 15:17). He also prayed for their unity after their departure (John 17:11). This command was fulfilled and prayer was answered, at least in the days immediately after His crucifixion.
When the doors were shut: The sense is not only that the doors were shut, but secured and locked against any unwelcome entry. The idea is that the room was secure when suddenly Jesus came and stood in the midst. We aren’t told how Jesus entered the room, but the sense is that it was not in any normal way and that He seemed to simply appear.
Jesus might have gone anywhere and done anything after His resurrection, but He wanted to be with His people. He sought out His people.
Jesus Offers His Peace
Unlocking Peace in Times of Fear
..19 That Sunday evening the disciples were meeting behind locked doors because they were afraid of the Jewish leaders. Suddenly, Jesus was standing there among them! "Peace be with you," he said.
Despite the locked doors, meant to block out danger (and inadvertently Jesus), Christ's entry brings a word of peace, not rebuke.
The locked door represents our human attempts to secure our own safety, which often also block out divine interventions. Jesus’ appearance despite the locked doors symbolizes that His peace transcends all barriers.
"No lock can block out the Lord’s peace; He enters our fears and offers tranquility."
Jesus Breathes Purpose
Mission Beyond the Lockdown
21 Again he said, "Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I am sending you."
The repetition of "Peace be with you" shifts from soothing their immediate fear to preparing them for their mission.
Jesus imparting peace before commissioning the disciples reflects the necessary foundation of divine peace for any divine mission.
Christ’s peace is not just to comfort but to commission us.
Jesus Gives His Power
From Fear to Authority
22 Then he breathed on them and said, "Receive the Holy Spirit.
By breathing on them, Jesus symbolically imparts the Holy Spirit, granting them authority in spiritual realms, notably in forgiving sins.
Just as God breathed life into Adam, Jesus breathes spiritual life into His disciples, signaling a new creation empowered by the Holy Spirit.
"Breathed upon by Christ, we rise from fear to carry forward His life-giving mission."
Quick Summary:
Jesus' appearance to His disciples transforms their fear into a mission filled with peace, purpose, and power.
We are reminded that like the disciples, our fears and doubts can be transformed by the reality of Jesus' resurrection and presence.
TL;DR:
This sermon explores the moment Jesus appears to His disciples after His resurrection, transforming their fear into courage with His peace and the Holy Spirit. We'll see how this empowered the disciples to preach boldly, and we're invited to embrace that same courage and purpose in our lives today.
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