"WILL THE REAL JESUS PLEASE STEP FORWARD"

JOHN 20:19 - 31

John 20:19

[19] On the evening of that first day of the week,

INSIGHT:

• This takes place the same day that the tomb of Jesus was found empty. The first day of the week. SUNDAY.

• The four gospels tell of 5 appearances on resurrection day, (Sunday), the first day of the week.

• The Christian church has held this day as the official day of worshiping together as believers.

1. Mary Magdalene.

2. The "other" woman. (The mother of James)

3. The two on the road to Emmaus. Two of the disciples?

4. And to Peter.

John 20:19 NIV

Still verse 19: with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders

• The disciples were living in fear. Fear of the same fate that Jesus just went through. Fear of the Jewish leaders.

*Read John 16:33

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John 20:19

Still verse 19: Jesus came and stood among them

The word describes an unseen arrival among them

which preceded His becoming visible to them.”

• Just a little frightening!

• Jesus was now in his resurrected form.

• He knew they wouldn't readily recognize him.

• So, Jesus, doing what he does best, COMFORTED them.

John 20:19-20

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.

• The reaction: PEACE AND JOY, JOY, JOY.

LESSON: We may not always recognize the presence of Jesus in our everyday activities, but if we look for the SIGNS, He will readily expose his presence to us. Which will in turn, help those around us witness his presence. Our testimony! *Read Mathew 5:16

Read verses 21, 22 & 23.

• Another offering of PEACE!

Now the reason for his visit.

John 20:21 NIV

"As the Father has sent me, I am sending you .”

• A vivid description of what he is expecting of the disciples.

• How did God the Father send Jesus?

• He sent his Son, and left the comforts of heaven behind, to accomplish what only God could do.

• Give mankind the opportunity to be forgiven and repair our relationship with GOD our CREATOR.

• This is ALL ABOUT SIN, and forgiveness.

Read John 20: 24 & 25

• Now Thomas was not with the rest of the disciples at the first miraculous appearing of Jesus.

• There was a good likelihood that he was so disappointed and angry that he was staying away from the group of 10. (Judas the betrayer is dead).

• At this point, Thomas was a "non" believer.

• His comment was a defiant NO! I will NOT believe!

• Not without proof!

• Thomas was like a lot of people today. But he was given the opportunity to have the proof. Then he believed.

Read verses 26 through 29

• The very next Sunday, the disciples had gathered together again and the circumstances were the same. FEAR!!! Door locked!

• This time Thomas was there.

• Once again, Jesus appears and doesn't hesitate to confront Thomas and his non belief.

• How did Jesus know what Thomas said? He must be some kind of GOD! Surprise!!!

• Jesus actually called out Thomas' unbelief and set him straight.

• No need now for any chastisement. Just LOVE.

• Thomas responded appropriately.

• MY LORD and MY GOD!!!!!!!

• Then Jesus makes a statement to all future doubters / believers.

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John 20:29

“Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed .”

JOHN 20: 30 & 31

• This is the whole book of John in a nutshell.

• That we may believe and have LIFE!!!

• But only through fully trusting Jesus.

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1 Peter 1:8-9

[8] 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, [9] for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls.