When Jesus Shows Up

Sermon  •  Submitted   •  Presented   •  35:11
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Introduction
Illustration: (C.P.) In 30 years of ministry, I have met quite a few people with all kinds of characteristics and character flaws.
One lady was, at first, very kind and considerate. Always wanting to help.
She gave gifts, offered words of encouragement, and seemed very confident and stable.
However, over time, I began to see something different that the persona she wanted to display.
She caused gossiped—created an environment where people would become divided. Had the talent of giving a compliment—but at the save time, criticize, demean, and humiliate you.
But it was all a front—a wall of protection. For behind here tough exterior lived a very fearful, bitter woman—a person who was deeply hurting.
Hurting people hurt people. And, hurting people struggle to live a Christ-centered life.
Following Christ’s crucifixion, the disciples where hurting—they were consumed by fear and their hopes were crushed.
Maybe you can identify. You have been hurt—and you are looking for relief—healing, victory.
Even after Easter, it can be easy to focus on the challenges and frustrations of life—but I want you encourage you to look at something—Someone—that can change everything.
Transition
The disciples saw the empty tomb—Mary testified that she had seen the risen Savior. But they were still afraid.
Text
John 20:19 ESV
19 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 we do not fully appreciate the Resurrection of Jesus, fear takes hold.
It is easy for us to label people—those who are afraid and those who are not.
But it is my estimation that fear is everybody’s battle.
Even the disciples on the day of the Resurrection of Christ were battling fear.
What Jesus faced during his arrest and crucifixion—the disciples feared they would be next.
Who could argue with that!
But something was about to take place that would change everything!
Their hopes, plans, and dreams would change!
Their priorities would change!
Their whole approach to life would change!
Everything changes when Jesus shows up!
When Jesus shows up:

There is Peace

John 14:27 ESV
27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.
Jesus is the Prince of Peace—the giver of peace—the presence of peace. It is through Christ we do not need to worry.
Philippians 4:6–7 NLT
6 Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. 7 Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.
Reject the life of worry.
Pray about everything.
Pray with thanksgiving (gratitude).
Welcome His peace (which guards your heart (emotions) and mind (intellect). “then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand.”
Live in Christ Jesus.
When Jesus shows up:

There is Joy

Psalm 16:11 NLT
11 You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence and the pleasures of living with you forever.
Jesus reveals the way of life. John 14:6 “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life...”
What does it mean to be in the presence of Jesus? How do we “get into” the presence of Jesus?
Living live “in Christ”—in His authority, within His will, embracing His character, in an attitude of genuine worship. Joy is a natural expression and emotion being in His presence.
Ultimately, being with Jesus is for eternity. “Pleasures” speaks of pleasant places (peace—instead of conflict, freedom instead turmoil, fulfillment instead of incompleteness).
These “pleasant places” begin when we receive His grace—the gift of salvation—but will continue into its fullness in the world to come.
When Jesus shows up:

There is Purpose

Jesus said:
John 20:21 NLT
21 Again he said, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I am sending you.”
The Sent One (Jesus) has now become the Sender, commissioning his followers to serve as his messengers and representatives.
This is the believer’s calling—the task given by Jesus himself.
How are you in your witness—your demonstration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ?
Do people see the love of Christ in you in all you do and say?
Do people experience the truth of Christ in every aspect of your life?
Does the Gospel overflow in your life—and into the lives around you?
Matthew 28:19–20 ESV
19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
Operating within the Great Commission is living a life of promise. That promise is the never-ending presence and power of Jesus Christ.
Conclusion
John 20:24–25 ESV
24 Now Thomas, one of the twelve, called the Twin, was not with them when Jesus came. 25 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.”
Fear is a large obstacle to faith. Even Thomas REFUSED to believe.
But when Jesus showed up—everything changed!
John 20:26–28 ESV
26 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.” 27 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.” 28 Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!”
When Jesus showed up, Thomas changed from Refusal to acceptance, acknowledgement, submission, and worship.
But what about us? What about today? Listen to what Jesus said:
John 20:29 ESV
29 Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”
It is a blessing of God, through the work of His Spirit, that leads us today to declare those same words “My Lord and my God!”
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