The Death and Resurrection of Jesus: The Appearance, Part 1 - SERMON NOTES

Intro: (1) how faith in the unseen becomes tangible reality (cf. gravity) (2) three reasons for gathering

Joyful Mission (19-21): (1) v.19 → evening of resurrection day → first “church” gathering (2) doors locked → still afraid, given the past few days (3) group included the eleven, the initial group of ladies, the two from the road to Emmaus (4) Jesus miraculously appears with greeting of peace → did not say “shame on you” (cf. Rom. 5:1, Phil. 4:7) (5) v.20 → their fear transforms to gladness/joy (6) v.21 → “I am sending you” → foundation for missions (cf. McCombs, unique path of each of us, praying for lost friends) (7) LESSON → gathering cultivates joy and keeps us on mission

Loving Acceptance (22-23): (1) v.22 → the foundation for being sent (2) “breathed” HS on them → (cf. creation account) (3) v.23 → connection of HS to core gospel message of forgiveness of sins → happens through God, not us (5) forgiveness = acceptance (i.e. not grumbling, complaining, criticizing, gossiping, taking up offense) (6) greatest ongoing experience of Spirit not signs/wonders but love for each other (cf. 1 Cor. 13) → shepherding groups, words of affirmation (6) LESSON → gathering intended to be characterized by loving acceptance, grounded in unity in Christ

Humble Service (24-29): (1) v.24-25 → Thomas refuses to believe until he physically sees Jesus → doubt-based struggles not necessarily sinful (2) v.26 → next appearance also on Sunday, Thomas to be commended for continuing to hang around (3) v.27 → Jesus invites him to do what he asked for word- for-word (4) v.28 → moves from last hold-out to highest worshiper (5) v.29 → final “blessing” for those who have faith without seeing (6) important imagery → communion, baptism, coffee, greeters, host homes (8) LESSON → gathering places people in front of us intended to remind us of Jesus

Conclusion: (1) goal of producing faith in Christ, in order to have new life in him (3) ultimate life is not found in accomplishments, family, friendship, experiences, therapy, self-help, but rather in relationship to God through Christ, experienced in ongoing deepening ways in the life of the church