Resurrection Peace
Notes
Transcript
The Promise of Living Hope
The Promise of Living Hope
Text: John 20:19–29
Theme: After rising from the dead, Jesus didn’t speak judgment. He spoke peace — to fear, to purpose, and to doubt. INTRODUCTION
Introduction:
Turn with me in your Bible to John chapter 20, beginning in verse 19.
Then, the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in the midst, and said to them, “Peace be with you.”
Now I want you to see something here.
Jesus has already risen from the dead.
The price has already been paid.
The blood has already been poured out.
The work is finished.
But the disciples?
They’re not celebrating.
They’re not shouting.
They’re not standing on resurrection truth.
They’re locked up—Afraid.
Hiding behind closed doors.
And let me say something right up front:
Just because Jesus won the victory doesn't mean you're walking in it
— until you believe what He said and receive what He gave your not going to walk in victory!
Now remember these are the some of the same disciples that deserted Him
And what did He say?
He didn’t say:
“Why didn’t you believe?”
“Where were you?”
“I’m disappointed in you.”
No.
The very first thing He said… was:
“Peace be unto you.”
He didn’t knock.
He didn’t wait for their fear to leave.
He just stepped in — and spoke peace.
And I believe He’s doing that again today.
Let’s walk through this moment together.
POINT I: Peace for the Fearful
Then, the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in the midst, and said to them, “Peace be with you.”
“...the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear… came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you.”
Now don’t miss this.
They’re not praying.
They’re not expecting Him.
They’re afraid. Confused. Disappointed.
But Jesus comes anyway.
He doesn’t stand on the outside waiting for them to figure it out.
He doesn’t demand they unlock the door.
He walks through the wall — and brings peace with Him.
Now the word He uses here is “peace” — in the Greek, that’s eirēnē.
It means wholeness, nothing missing, nothing broken.
It’s the Hebrew idea of shalom brought into the New Testament.
This is not emotional peace.
This is not personality-based calmness.
This is resurrection peace — the kind only Jesus can give.
Romans 5:1 — “Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Galatians 5:22 — “The fruit of the Spirit is… peace…”
This kind of peace is not something you feel first.
It’s something you believe first — and feel later.
It’s something you believe first — and feel later.
CONFESSION:
Say this out loud:
Jesus is my peace.
I receive it by faith.
Nothing missing. Nothing broken.
TRANSITION:
Now that peace has entered their fear…
Let’s see what Jesus says the second time.
POINT II: Peace for the Called
So Jesus said to them again, “Peace to you! As the Father has sent Me, I also send you.”
And when He had said this, He breathed on them, and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit.
Now listen closely.
He says peace again — but this time it comes with a mission
He doesn’t just speak peace over their fear — He speaks peace into their calling.
He’s saying:
“The same way the Father sent Me… now I’m sending you.”
Before He sent them out, He gave them:
His peace
His peace
His Spirit
His Spirit
His authority
His authority
And let me tell you — that hasn’t changed.
Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on thee: Because he trusteth in thee.
You cannot walk in your calling if you’re still ruled by anxiety or paralyzed by guilt.
Let’s make it plain:
He didn’t save you to sit.
He saved you to be sent.
And before He sent you, He gave you peace to carry it.
CONFESSION:
Say this:
“I am called. I am equipped.
I walk in peace and power.
I am sent with purpose — and filled with the Spirit.”
TRANSITION:
Now we’ve heard Him say peace to those who were afraid,
And again to those who were called…
But He’s not finished yet.
There’s still someone missing from the room.
And Jesus comes back — just for him.
POINT III: Peace for the Doubter
And after eight days again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them: then came Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, Peace be unto you.
Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing.
Now I want you to notice — Thomas wasn’t there the first time.
He missed the moment.
He missed the Word.
And he missed the peace.
But Jesus doesn’t leave him out.
He comes back — not to rebuke him, but to reach him.
He says:
“Peace be unto you.”
And then He says, “Go ahead. Touch the scars.”
Jesus still had His wounds — but now they had new meaning.
And here’s the truth:
He doesn’t wait for Thomas to get it right.
He meets him in his doubt.
John 20:29 — “Blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.”
Some of you are here this morning, and you’ve been where Thomas was.
You want to believe… but you’ve been disappointed.
You’ve seen too much. You’ve been hurt too deeply.
But hear me:
Jesus still has scars — but they’re not bleeding anymore.
And He’s not afraid of your questions.
He came back for you.
CONFESSION:
“Jesus meets me in my doubts.
He gives my scars new meaning.
I am not disqualified. I am loved, healed, and chosen.”
Altar Call:
Now I don’t believe you’re here by accident this morning.
If you’ve heard the Word and you recognize the Lord is dealing with your heart — don’t ignore that.”
“The Spirit of God is here — and He’s still saying what He said to those disciples:
‘Peace be unto you.’”
Some of you have let the devil steal your peace.
Some of you are saved, but you’ve been living behind a locked door of anxiety, guilt, or regret.
Today it the day to — take your peace back.”
“Some of you don’t know Jesus at all. You’ve heard the story of the resurrection, but you’ve never surrendered your life.
Today is the day of salvation. Not tomorrow. Not next Easter. Today.
Say this out loud — from your heart:
Lord Jesus, I believe You died and rose again.
You paid the full price for my sin.
I receive Your peace.
I receive Your Spirit.
I give You my life, now and forever.
In Jesus’ Name — amen.”
Communion:
We’ve just declared that peace lives in us — and we’ve declared that it’s finished.
But I want to take us one step further.
Because the reason we can receive that peace today…
is because Jesus gave everything for it.
Peace wasn’t free.
It came at the highest price.
His body was broken.
His blood was poured out.
And when He said “It is finished” — He meant that the price for peace was fully paid.
And today…
we don’t just remember that truth — we receive it again as we come to the table
Before we eat or drink, we pause.
Not in fear, but in reverence.
Scripture says to examine our hearts (1 Corinthians 11:28),
not to disqualify ourselves—but to remember why we need grace.
Ask:
“Search me, O God, and know my heart… and lead me in the way everlasting.” (Psalm 139:23–24)
[Pause briefly for reflection and prayer]
The Bread – His Body Broken for You
“This is My body, given for you; do this in remembrance of Me.”
—Luke 22:19
Isaiah 53:5 says:
“By His stripes, we are healed.”
As you hold the bread, remember—this is not routine.
This is covenant. This is provision. This is healing.
Say or lead the prayer:
Lord Jesus, thank You that Your body was broken so mine could be made whole.
As I take this bread, I receive healing—physically, emotionally, spiritually.
You were wounded for my restoration.
You bore my pain. I receive Your peace.
Take and eat the bread.
The Cup - His blood shed for the new covenant
Now take the cup.
“This cup is the new covenant in My blood, which is poured out for you.”
—Luke 22:20
This cup represents His blood — the blood of the new covenant.
It’s the blood that didn’t just cover sin —
It cleansed it.
It’s the blood that brought you:
Forgiveness
Access
Inheritance
And peace with God.
Say or lead the prayer:
Thank You, Jesus, for Your blood.
You paid the price I could never pay.
Because of You, I am clean, I am loved, I am free.
I receive this covenant of grace with a thankful heart.”
Say this with me:
I am cleansed.
I am covered.
I am called.
I have peace — because of the Cross.
And I walk in resurrection life — because of the empty tomb.
In Jesus’ Name.”
Peace be unto you.
Peace be unto you.
Have a blessed Easter Sunday!
Have a blessed Easter Sunday!
