I. SERMON NOTES​

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1. Introduction - Fearful, Challenging Moments of Life

 

The sermon continues the series on confident faith, focusing on how faith operates in fearful and challenging moments. The passage (John 20:19–29) takes place on the evening of Resurrection Sunday and the following week, when Jesus appears to His disciples.

 

The events of Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter Sunday are set in Jerusalem:

• Jesus shared His last meal, washed the disciples’ feet, and taught on unity and love.

• He prayed in Gethsemane, was betrayed, arrested, tried, and crucified.

• On the third day, He rose from the dead.

 

However, the Gospel writers also reveal the quality of the disciples’ faith during these events:

• They fell asleep while Jesus prayed. (Mark 14)

• They fled at His arrest. (Mark 14:50)

• Peter denied Jesus three times.

• Only John remained at the cross. (John 19:26-27)

• By Resurrection Sunday, they were behind locked doors, afraid of the Jews. (John 20:19)

 

Despite the resurrection, the disciples displayed fear, doubt, and confusion. Yet the Gospel writers honestly portray their weaknesses. Jesus meets them as they are and leads them on a journey of growth and service.

 

2. The Reset Moment: Jesus in Their Midst

 

John 20:19 describes a turning point: “Jesus came and stood among them.”

• The disciples’ circumstances had not changed.

• The same religious and political threats remained.

• Yet Jesus’ presence transformed them.

 

They encountered not merely a man, but the glorified Son of God, evoking awe and wonder. (Rom 1:4)

 

3. What Jesus Brought to His Disciples

 

a) Peace into their Hearts

Jesus’ first words: “Peace be with you.” 

• Earlier, Jesus had promised peace (John 14:27; 16:33) amidst tribulation.

• Now, post-resurrection, He fulfills that promise. (John 20:19; John 20:21; John 20:26)

 

This peace:

• Is not a mere greeting or formality.

• Is unlike what the world offers.

• Comes uniquely from Jesus.

• Reflects the fullness of shalom—wholeness, completeness, and right relationship with God and others.

 

For the disciples:

• It assured forgiveness despite their failures.

• It gave confidence for future trials.

 

This peace becomes both:

• The message

• And the fuel for their journey.

 

b) Assurance Through His Wounds

Jesus showed His hands and side (John 20:20).

• He did not appear in an unrecognisable, perfected form.

• He appeared with scars, proving He was the same One who suffered and died.

 

The resurrection is the ultimate “sign” in John’s Gospel:

• Earlier signs revealed glimpses of Jesus’ identity.

• The resurrection reveals it fully.

 

Result: “The disciples were glad when they saw the Lord.”

 

Quotation (Bruce Milne):

“How important for our needy, hurting generation, that Jesus is recognised by his scars!”

 

Key insight:

• Jesus identifies with human pain and suffering.

• His scars bring comfort, hope, and joy to wounded lives.

 

Thomas doubted and demanded proof:

• “Unless I see… I will never believe.”

 

Jesus responded personally:

• Invited Thomas to touch His wounds.

• Did not rebuke him harshly but met his need.

 

Thomas’ response:

• “My Lord and my God.”

 

This is the most profound confession among the disciples.
 

Jesus then teaches:

• “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”

 

For future believers:

• Faith comes through:

  • The witness of the disciples

  • The strength of Scripture

  • The work of the Holy Spirit in their hearts

 

c) Commissioned for Mission

John 20:21b: “As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.”

 

Purpose of sending:

• To bear witness to/for Jesus. (Acts 1:8)

 

This includes:

• Words proclaiming God’s forgiving love.

• Lives demonstrating transformation:

  • From pride to humility

  • From self-interest to service

  • From brokenness to godliness

 

This transformation is:

• Not human effort

• But the work of the Holy Spirit (“Receive the Holy Spirit”)

 

The role of believers:

• To hold out the message of forgiveness and life.

• The quality of this witness affects whether others receive it (John 20:23).

 

The song “My peace I give unto you” highlights:

• Not only receiving peace

• But passing it on to others

 

God intends:

• His peace, love, and hope

• To flow through believers to others, especially in fearful moments.

 

5. Conclusion

Imagine:

• Fear, anxiety, shattered hopes, and “locked doors”.

 

Into that situation:

• Jesus appears.

 

He brings:

1. Peace – deep and assuring

2. Identification – through His scars

3. Mission – sending us to others

 

He calls us:

• From fear and doubt

• Into confident faith

 

Final exhortation:

• Let this vision of Jesus

  • Unlock fear and doubt

  • Stir faith

  • Lead us to worship and witness.

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II. REFLECTION QUESTIONS
 

1.⁠ ⁠What do Jesus’ words of peace and wounds on His hands and side tell us about Him and His love for us?

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2.⁠ ⁠Jesus says, “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” What do you think that means for us today?

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3.⁠ ⁠The disciples were behind locked doors in fear, yet Jesus met them there with His presence and peace. What are the “locked doors” in your life right now (fears, doubts, struggles), and what might it look like to trust Jesus in those areas?

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4.⁠ ⁠Jesus not only gives His peace but sends His disciples to pass it on through their lives and witness. How might God be calling you to share His peace, forgiveness, or hope with someone this week—through your words or actions?