Rob's Expository Sermon Preparation | Luke 24:36–49

Introduction:

· “I told you so”: repeatedly, Jesus, the angels, proclaim the message: This was all part of the plan

· The disciples were completely unprepared; what did Jesus accomplish for them?

LET’S LOOK AT THREE THINGS JESUS ACCOMPLISHES IN HIS RESURRECTION, THAT HE NOW REVEALS TO HIS US: PEACE, HOPE, AND MISSION.

I) Jesus’ Resurrection Gives Peace To Shattered Disciples

A. Jesus “in the flesh” Terrified the Disciples

i. Why the Resurrection is even more terrifying Than the cross (vs. 37)

1. Jesus appears and they can’t reconcile all they’ve seen/heard (vv. 38)

2. So: “hearts doubt”, terror, fear, doubt

ii. The Elephant in the Room: What would Jesus say?

1. EXAMPLE: Having a falling out à what will they say?

2. All the disciples had, in one way, failed Jesus – how would he respond?

B. Jesus Grants The Peace They Long For

i. The Peace He Grants Them (vs. 36)

1. Peace: restored relationship b/c barrier of sin are removed

2. APPLICATION: A gift of grace to undeserving disciples like us

ii. The Meal He Shares (vv. 41-42)

1. Jesus isn’t just a hungry teenager, but seeking fellowship

2. The bible portrays Christianity as relationship: Prayer? Worship? Scripture? Are these more like a meal? Or a Chore?

THE SECOND THING JESUS’ RESURRECTION GIVES US IS HOPE.

II) Jesus’ Resurrection Gives Hope to a Decaying World

A. Resurrection: Body or Soul?

i. Hands, Feet, Flesh, Bones & Fish: Why such a Big Deal? (vv. 39, 41)

1. Jesus draws attention to physical, bodily aspects; eats a meal

2. Gnosticism taught the body/material world are evil, salvation = liberation

ii. The Errors of Gnosticism Today

3. Some pay very little attention to the world: “The world is not my home…”

4. Some obsess – “this world is all there is” (so: anxiousness about fixing”

B. The Resurrection of the Body Gives Hope

i. Jesus’ resurrection means hope for decaying bodies

1. Jesus resurrected body gives hope for renewal of our bodies

2. EXAMPLE: J.E. Tada, kneeling (and us: MS; bipolar? Depression?);

ii. Jesus’ Resurrection Means Hope for a Decaying World

1. New heaven & New earth: The material world isn’t itself evil but will be renewed

2. APPLICATION: caring for, investing in this world in the hope of renewal

Transition:

III) Jesus’ Resurrection Gives A Mission to Aimless People

A. A Life Without Mission

i. What Were the Disciples Going to Do Next?

1. Afraid, uncertain – what next? Fishing? Tax Collecting?

2. Everything they had “banked on” was no longer operative.

ii. An Existential Question: What Are We Here for?

1. We assume we are here to create purpose, meaning, “change the world”

2. EXAMPLE: 1995 “World Shakers” convention – “what happened there?”

B. Empowered for Mission

i. It’s All About God’s Story (vv. 44-46)

1. Jesus doesn’t “calm their hearts” he engages their minds!

2. Scripture: God’s mission to bring repentance & forgiveness to the world

3. Life has purpose – “GOD’S purpose!”

ii. Empowered for Mission Today

1. They – and us – are called to be witnesses to the mission of God

2. APPLICATION: Some need to consider missions! All need to consider witness

3. They – and us – cannot do this alone, but are mpowered by the Spirit

Transition:

Conclusion

God gives us PEACE, HOPE, and MISSION!