Seeing Jesus Series: Reunited

Introduction

Illustration

Evidence of the afterlife:  The Science of Near Death Experiences by Jeffrey Long, MD

Near-death experiences (NDEs) are events that take place as a person is dying or, indeed, is already clinically dead. People who have NDEs are called near-death experiencers (NDErs). From the time near-death experiences were first medically researched and described by Dr. Raymond Moody in his pioneering book, Life After Life, in 1975, medical doctors and other researchers have examined this phenomenon in depth. 

I was at peace with myself. Nothing hurt. I could only see my life and self through that Beings Love. There was no negative in myself or from that being for anything I had done, including killing myself. It [my deed] was changed by the power of the Truth of Love, with which it was seen. That Loving Grace, total acceptance, complete love and truth created a joy in me. I saw that love was in me too, not just from the Being shining down on me; it was in me as part of myself. I was full of love and peace. I felt the joy in that truth. I have no right words for it.

This study finds that what people discovered during their near-death experience about God, love, afterlife, reason for our earthly existence, earthly hardships, forgiveness, and many other concepts is strikingly consistent across cultures, races, and creeds.

In a world that is plagued by afflictions of the soul, this is very good news. Many of the personal and social problems that face humanity—drug and alcohol abuse, depression, anxiety, gang violence, religious strife, racism, and so on—could be greatly affected by such a powerful common experience. Because NDEs happen to people all over the world, they are a spiritual thread that binds us together, a common experience that reminds us of our mutual spiritual nature.

But the NDERF study is also exceptionally valuable in the way that it brings us closer to understanding what happens when we die.

Researchers have concluded that NDEs may include some or all of the following twelve elements:

What is exile? Exile is when life throws you a curveball and you end up in a place you never thought you would be: divorced, depressed, abused, bankrupt, fired, disabled, abandoned, etc.

 Out-of-body experience (OBE): Separation of consciousness from the physical body

Heightened senses

Intense and generally positive emotions or feelings

Passing into or through a tunnel

Encountering a mystical or brilliant light

Encountering other beings, either mystical beings or deceased relatives or friends

You see, grief is much more than feeling sad. It’s a process that moves you to a place of accepting your loss so you can restart your life.

A sense of alteration of time or space

Life review

Encountering unworldly (“ heavenly”) realms

Encountering or learning special knowledge

Encountering a boundary or barrier A return to the body, either voluntary or involuntary

We find the disciples in a place they never planned to be.  When they signed up to follow Jesus, they failed to read and listen to big print words:

Luke 9:20–23 ESV

Then he said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” And Peter answered, “The Christ of God.” And he strictly charged and commanded them to tell this to no one, saying, “The Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised.” And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.

Transition To Body

John 20:

John 20:17–18 ESV

Jesus said to her, “Do not cling to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father; but go to my brothers and say to them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’ ” Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, “I have seen the Lord”—and that he had said these things to her.

Cling = to cause illumination or burning to take place, light a candle, to start a fire

Go to my brothers...

Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, “I have seen the LORD”

And that he had said these things to her

Body- When Disciples See Jesus

Jesus Speaks Peace To The Disciple’s Fears

Illustrate: Avengers “Infinity War” Ending and the Trailer for Captain Marvel- Help is coming

John 20:19 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.”

Illustrate: It somebody hear today who showed up with a fearful heart...

You have some legitimate fears...

Come here Drake: you did not come today just hear somebody say you are “All In Your Feelings”

How do we speak a word of peace to people with fearful hearts?

I am so glad you asked yourself that question too!

How does Jesus do it?

The answer is right here in our text:

Jesus Comes (to be with them)- so Jesus provides comfort

came= to move toward or up to the reference point of the viewpoint character or event

The ministry of presence

English Standard Version Chapter 4

14 Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. 15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. 16 Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

Jesus Stands (among them)- so Jesus identifies with them

stand = to be there

Jesus Speaks (to them)- a word of encouragement

Illustrate: People in Grief

Jesus Reveals To Disciples That He Is Real

John 20:19

John 20:20 ESV

When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord.

Disciples Receive A Heaven Sent Assignment

John 20:21 ESV

Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.”

Like Go In Peace

Illustrate:

Disciples Receive A Powerful Godly Anointing

John 20:22 ESV

And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit.

John 20

Power of the Holy Spirit

Power to forgive sins

with a warning?

if you withhold forgiveness...

Transition To Conclusion

Illustration:

Homecoming (stylized as HΘMΣCΘMING; subtitled: "A Film by Beyoncé") is a concert filmabout American singer Beyoncé and her performance at the 2018 Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival.

Premiered this past week on Netflix on April 17, 2019.

Beyoncé's 'Homecoming' on Netflix is an ode to black culture — and HBCU greatness

Origins of homecoming celebration in HBCUs Origins of Homegoing Celebration within the Historically Black Church

Conclusion

John 20:17 ESV

Jesus said to her, “Do not cling to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father; but go to my brothers and say to them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’ ”

John 20:17

English Standard Version Chapter 3

14 I hope to come to you soon, but I am writing these things to you so that, 15 if I delay, you may know how one ought to behave in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, a pillar and buttress of the truth. 16 Great indeed, we confess, is the mystery of godliness:

He was manifested in the flesh,

vindicated by the Spirit,

seen by angels,

proclaimed among the nations,

believed on in the world,

taken up in glory.