Jesus is no Ghost

Intro

My family and I had a great time away in AZ

*Make fun of “not” sharing about highlights (warmth, pool, hot tub, Malachi)*

But I will talk about my church experience:

CCV = 2nd largest church in USA; over 73,000; 1,200 baptized

*Share story of meeting Mark Moore*

God is moving all around the world; we are all brothers and sisters

We also all share in the hope of the resurrection of Jesus Christ

Which is where we continue to spend our time as we wrap up our sermon series on spiritual renewal

Read Luke 24:36-43 and pray

The Nature of Jesus’ Resurrected Body

Jesus is no ghost

Story opens with the eleven disciples talking about the report from those on the road to Emmaus

Great job by Tim and Earl to recap this the past 2 weeks

*Briefly recap the Road to Emmaus story*

The eleven are not convinced of the (increasing) reports of Jesus resurrection

In the middle of this conversation, Jesus appears among them

The disciples were “startled” and “frightened” (v. 37)

Similar reaction to seeing an angel; Jesus gives a similar response (“peace to you” vs. “do not be afraid”)

At first glance, the disciples believed they were seeing the ghost of Jesus (v. 37)

Word for ghost = spirit = pneuma (general sense here)

Jesus takes great care to prove to His followers that He is not a ghost, but is truly resurrected

As we will see, the resurrected body of Christ is the same, but different

The same (physical)

First, Jesus invites the disciples to touch and see that he is physically present

“For a spirit (ghost) does not have flesh adn bones as you see that I have” (v. 39)

Second, Jesus points to His hands and feet in particular to show that He is the same physical person as before

He points to the nail markings that he bears from His crucifixion; Jesus is alive in the same body; it is Him

Lastly, Jesus eats food to reinforce that He is not a ghost

*Make joke about sermon application = eat more food*

Ghosts don’t eat! Jesus is hungry and makes a point to eat in front of His followers to convince them He is physically there

But different (supernatural)

How Jesus appears and disappears reveals that, for all the similarities, his body is now something much more than it once was

In John’s Gospel, he includes the detail that the room the disciples were in was locked for fear of the Jews (John 20:19)

Secret door knock?

After breaking bread with those on the road to Emmaus, Jesus vanishes from their sight (Luke 24:31)

Coupled with the fact that Jesus hid his identity from Mary Magdalene and the disciples on the road to Emmaus, you begin to understand that He is different

The Battle for Belief

Fight against logical doubts

After appearing, Jesus rebukes His disciples, “why do doubts arise in your hearts?” (v. 38)

“Doubts” = thought, reasoning, opinion (negative sense). The product of rational thought alone

This doesn’t add up! I’ve never seen or experienced anything like this before! It is not rational!

Our eyes must be open to God working in ways we don’t expect and can’t explain

If our faith is limited to our rational thinking, we will miss EVERYTHING

*Like Eli not seeing the Cardinals stadium because he was looking the wrong direction*

As a church, are we prepared for God to do something new? Are we open to changes, and doing things a new way? Or do we expect to “do church” the exact same as always?

Not to say rational thinking is a bad thing

Jesus appeals to the disciples logic by presenting his physical hands and feet to be seen and touched

So much of our faith can be understood and defended rationally

But it must never be the only way we experience God (head knowledge), because He is not bound to our rules and limitations

Too good to be true

After moving past rational doubts, the disciples “still disbelieved for joy” (v. 41)… Literally, this is too good to be true!

What a rollercoaster! Convinced Jesus is the Messiah, giving up all else to follow Him, watch Him betrayed, crucified and buried… and now He is alive!

*Talk about spam emails, free cruise phone calls and opening day tickets for half price (real deal!)*

“Disbelieved” = faith; trust

Now engaging a different part of what it means to believe. Not the head, but the heart

Seeing is believing

John records that one disciple was missing from this reunion: Thomas

The other disciples were able to see and touch Jesus, and then believed (logically and emotionally)

Thomas wanted the same opportunity

Cf. John 20:24-29.

“Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed” (v. 29)

This fits everyone here this morning; we cannot touch the physical hands and feet of Jesus, yet we can still believe

Believe with our rational minds (body was dead is now alive)

Believe with our complete faith and trust (the resurrection signifies our eternal hope in Christ)

Our Hope for Resurrection

Jesus is the firstfruits of the resurrection

Why does the nature of Jesus’ resurrected body matter to us? Because He is the first of many

Jesus reveals our own hope for resurrection

Cf. 1 Corinthians 15:20-24.

Christ first, then those who belong to Christ when He returns, and then the eternal fulfillment of the kingdom

Our earthly bodies as seeds for our heavenly bodies

Cf. 1 Corinthians 15:42-44.

*Just like gardening season; talk about seeing the seedlings sprout in Sheldon’s greenhouse*

Pershiable to imperishable; from dishonour to glory; from weakness to power. This is our hope

Conclusion

Jesus is no ghost; He is alive!

His resurrection paves the way for us to follow suit; He was the first of many

Believe this with your head and your heart to inherit the promise

Pray