John 20:19-31

From Fear to Faith: The Transformative Encounter

Bible Passage: Jn 20:19–31

Summary: In John 20:19-31, the disciples grapple with fear after the crucifixion of Jesus. They are locked in a room, consumed by anxiety and uncertainty, until the risen Christ appears to them, offering peace and commissioning them. This passage emphasizes the shift from fear to faith and the empowering presence of the resurrected Christ.

Application: This passage speaks directly to Christians and others facing fear in their lives. It reminds us that despite our fears, Christ brings peace and purpose. Through understanding His resurrection, we can find the courage to leave our fears behind and embrace our calling as His disciples.

Teaching: This sermon illustrates that fear is a natural response, but it is not the final word for those who believe. It teaches that through an encounter with the risen Christ, our fears can be transformed into faith and action. The disciples’ experience serves as a model for our own transformation.

How this passage could point to Christ: In the broader context of Scripture, Christ's resurrection is the ultimate victory over fear and death. It connects with themes of redemption and hope found throughout the Bible, pointing towards Jesus as the source of courage for believers. This event conflates His authority and divinity with the promise of our own resurrection and victory over fear.

Big Idea: The big idea of this sermon communicates that Jesus brings peace in the midst of our fears, empowering us to move from fear to faith and to live out our purpose.

Recommended Study: As you prepare this sermon, consider exploring the historical context of Jewish fears in the aftermath of the crucifixion and how that might parallel today's fears. Investigate possible textual variants in different manuscripts related to Jesus' greeting and its implications for understanding the peace He offers. Use your Logos library to delve into commentaries that discuss the significance of the resurrection encounter and its application to discipleship.

1. Peace in Closed Doors

John 20:19-23

Perhaps start by focusing on how the disciples were locked away in fear, much like we sometimes retreat into ourselves to avoid facing difficult situations. Consider suggesting that Jesus' unexpected arrival and words of peace remind us that He meets us exactly where we are, offering peace that transcends our circumstances. His act of breathing the Holy Spirit upon them empowers us to face our fears transformed by faith.

2. Proof for the Doubting

John 20:24-28

Maybe talk about Thomas's initial doubt and how this resonates with our own struggles to believe amidst fear and uncertainty. Suggest that Thomas's encounter with Jesus illustrates that doubt doesn’t disqualify us from faith. Instead, Jesus' willingness to show Him the scars emphasizes that our doubts can lead to a deeper, more tangible faith when we genuinely seek Christ's presence.

3. Promise for Believers

John 20:29-31

You could conclude by discussing how Jesus' words to Thomas highlight the blessedness of believing without seeing and apply this to modern faith challenges. Emphasize that this declaration extends to us, inviting us into a faith that trusts Jesus' promises even when circumstances seem bleak. Encourage an understanding that Jesus' resurrection offers a hope and purpose that dispels fear, empowering us to walk boldly in our discipleship journey.

The remarkable thing about fearing God is that when you fear God, you fear nothing else, whereas if you do not fear God, you fear everything else.

Oswald Chambers (Lecturer and Missionary)