Death Defeated: The Power of the Resurrection

READ (JOHN 20:19-28)

When we teach people to read the Bible, we ask people to look at the “verbs.” This is where the action happens!

The resurrection of Jesus is the greatest proof of power the world has ever seen.

Why is there power in the resurrection of Jesus?

1. The resurrection provides peace.

News of the resurrection had already spread.

The disciples were locked in and riddled with fear in spite of what Peter and John had seen and what Mary had reported.

He showed up miraculously and said “Shalom.”

Before they could respond, he showed them the nail prints in his hands and the spear scare in his side.

These men had to grasp that the same Jesus who died now lived again and stood before them.

Before, he spoke in parables, stories, and miracles to his disciples. Now he had spoken in his blood. Their minds were opened.

There comes a time whenever a leader proves his dedication and earns respect. The ability to bring a calm to the hearts of people.

Can you believe in the peace of the resurrection?

2. The resurrection provides a mission.

“Breathed on them” (enypsenusan)

God breathing into Adam.

Ezekiel and the valley of dry bones.

Elijah breathing into the nostils of the dead widows son.

At pentecost, the Holy Spirit would equip the disciples with a message.

The Father had sent Jesus on a mission to atone for the sins of the world so that all who believed would receive eternal life. Now the Son was sending his disciples on a mission to proclaim that message and make disciples through the world.

The Holy Spirit would enable them to have the authority to declare God had indeed forgiven the sins of any who believe in Jesus.

A church focused on the mission cannot be stopped. Make disciples who make disciples.

Are you willing to fulfill God’s mission?

3. The resurrection provides faith.

It took Thomas eight days to see Jesus!

“I will never believe.”

Strong refusal.

“Don’t be faithless”

Present middle imperative - “stop becoming disbelieving”

“My Lord and my God”

Thomas was wholly convinced and did not hesitate to address the Risen Christ as Lord and God.

Thomas made a noble confession, but he missed the highest form of faith without the evidence of the senses.

We are the “show me” culture. We expect results with little wroth.

Jesus Christ, in one moment showed the world who the Savior is.

Do you want to believe?