Peace be with you Outline

John 20:19–31 ESV

On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors being locked where the disciples were for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.” When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.” And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you withhold forgiveness from any, it is withheld.” Now Thomas, one of the twelve, called the Twin, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord.” But he said to them, “Unless I see in his hands the mark of the nails, and place my finger into the mark of the nails, and place my hand into his side, I will never believe.” Eight days later, his disciples were inside again, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side. Do not disbelieve, but believe.” Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!” Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.

Finding Peace in the Midst of Fear

Bible Passage: John 20:19–31

Summary: In this passage, Jesus appears to His frightened disciples after His resurrection, offering them peace and demonstrating His authority over life and death. He commissions them for mission and affirms the blessing of faith in unseen realities.

Application: This sermon can help Christians who are grappling with fear and uncertainty in their lives. By understanding that Jesus offers true peace even in our troubled circumstances, believers can find comfort and strength to face their fears and uncertainties with renewed faith.

Teaching: The sermon teaches that peace is not the absence of fear but the presence of Christ. It illustrates how Jesus meets us in our fears, calms our troubled hearts, and calls us into a life of purpose and mission, regardless of our circumstances.

How this passage could point to Christ: This passage highlights Christ as the risen Savior who overcomes fear and doubt. It connects to the broader narrative of Scripture, where Jesus fulfills the promise of peace through His death and resurrection, becoming our eternal hope and source of confidence.

Big Idea: True peace comes from encountering the risen Christ, who guides us through fear and empowers us for His mission in the world.

Recommended Study: As you prepare your sermon from John 20:19–31, consider exploring the historical context of the disciples' fear after Jesus' crucifixion. Utilizing Logos, research the Greek words for 'peace' used in the passage and their implications on the disciples' understanding of Jesus' resurrection. Investigate early church practices of peace and how they might inform present-day applications of Jesus' message of peace.

1. Peace and Wounds: Proof of Life

John 20:19-23

Perhaps you could focus on how Jesus first meets the disciples in their fear by offering peace and showing His wounds, proving His victory over death. This illustrates that peace, delivered by Christ, transcends external circumstances. Explore how believers today, often locked behind "closed doors" of fear and doubt, can experience peace when they recognize the risen Christ in their midst.

2. Presence and Doubt: A Missed Moment

John 20:24-25

Consider highlighting Thomas's absence when Jesus first appeared and his subsequent doubt. This section can convey how absence from Christian fellowship can lead to missed spiritual encounters and doubts. Encourage the congregation to persist in community, even amidst skepticism, as they wait for Christ to reveal Himself personally and powerfully.

3. Perception and Faith: A Direct Encounter

John 20:26-29

You might discuss how Jesus personally addresses Thomas's skepticism with an invitation to touch and see. This interaction shows the tender, patient nature of Christ in handling our doubts. Emphasize the blessing Jesus proclaims on those who believe without seeing, underscoring that faith transcends empirical evidence, providing a depth of peace through trust in His promises.

4. Purpose and Belief: Life in His Name

John 20:30-31

In this concluding section, maybe bring out how John sums up the intent of his Gospel: to inspire belief that brings life in Jesus' name. Stress that true peace and purpose arise from ongoing faith in Christ's resurrected life, prompting Christians to live boldly in their mission, sharing the truth of the risen Savior with others.

In 1 Kings 19, we find Elijah fleeing from Jezebel, overwhelmed and afraid. In a moment of despair, God meets him not in the wind, earthquake, or fire, but in a gentle whisper. This whisper brings peace to a weary prophet. From a biblical standpoint, this story illustrates how God's peace often comes in quiet moments amidst life’s storms. It reminds us to seek out those moments of stillness and listen closely for His comforting presence, assuring us that even in struggle, He desires to envelop us in His peace.

As you walk through your community or encounter people in public spaces, hostility and division may sometimes seem overwhelming. You might feel the urge to withdraw. Instead, choose to greet everyone you meet with a warm smile and a simple phrase: 'Peace be with you.' This simple gesture can open doors to conversations where you can share the love of Christ. When faced with impatience in lines or traffic, remember that every moment is an opportunity to spread peace through patience and kindness.

In the hustle of daily family life, tensions can build from the smallest misunderstandings. Begin each day by gathering your family for a brief morning devotional that includes the message 'Peace be with you.' Use this time not just for spiritual guidance but also to speak candidly about any worries or stresses everyone is facing. Allow each member to express how they can support one another that day, creating a culture of open communication and mutual peace at home.