EASTER 2020
RESURRECTION POWER IN THE MOMENT OF CRISIS
That evening, the disciples gathered together. And because they were afraid of reprisals from the Jewish leaders, they had locked the doors to the place where they met. But suddenly Jesus appeared among them and said, “Peace to you!” Then he showed them the wounds of his hands and his side—they were overjoyed to see the Lord with their own eyes! Jesus repeated his greeting, “Peace to you!” And he told them, “Just as the Father has sent me, I’m now sending you.” Then, taking a deep breath, he blew on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit. I send you to preach the forgiveness of sins—and people’s sins will be forgiven. But if you don’t proclaim the forgiveness of their sins, they will remain guilty.” John 20:19-24
1. THE CRISIS
"... the disciples were meeting behind locked doors because they were afraid of the Jewish leaders.” John 20:19
"It was late that Sunday evening..." John 20:19
"All the disciples deserted him and fled." Matthew 26:25
– Grief – Fear – Exhaustion – Trauma – Failure – Doubt –
In the midst of our messy lives, Jesus shows up!
“That evening, the disciples gathered together. And because they were afraid of reprisals from the Jewish leaders, they had locked the doors to the place where they met. But suddenly Jesus appeared among them and said, “Peace to you!” John 20:19
2. THE PEACE
Suddenly, Jesus was standing there among them! …They were filled with joy when they saw the Lord. John 20:20
The lesson of Easter: Christ is already here!
Christ’s presence bring peace.
“Then, taking a deep breath, he bled on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit. I send you to preach the forgiveness of sins — and people’s sins will be forgiven. But if you don’t proclaim the forgiveness of their sins, they will remain guilty.” John 20:22
“We love Him because He first loved us.” 1 John 4:19
3. THE POWER Resurrection power doesn’t leave things undone.
“... How tremendous is the power available to us who believe in God. That power is the same divine energy which was demonstrated in Christ when he was raised from the dead..." Ephesians 1:20
“… we stopped relying on ourselves and learned to rely only on God, who raises the dead.” 2 Corinthians 1:9b
We have to stop relying on ourselves and learn to rely on God.
It is through death that the power of resurrection transforms.
“Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person…” Romans 12:1
God isn’t interested in your comfort, he’s interested in your character.
Resurrection power works best in a graveyard.
