Home Group Study - Sermon Date: 13 September 2019

Text: John 20v19-23

Opening Discussion: Words and phrases that are found in schoolyards are often in use long before they are documented. The term “double dog dare” is listed in the book The Child and Childhood in Folk-Thought by Alexander Chamberlain, written in 1896. A double dog dare is a challenge of epic proportions. What is the most challenging dare you have successfully completed? Share your story.

Summary:

In John 20:19-23 we see how our Lord turns an IMPOSSIBLE MISSION of epic proportions into MISSION POSSIBLE.

John 20:19-23 tells about our Lord’s appearance to the apostles and probably other disciples (Luke 24:33-49) as they met behind locked doors for fear of the Jews on the evening of the first day of His resurrection. Thomas, who was brooding over his doubts about the resurrection, was not present. Jesus greeted his disciples with the statement “Peace to you” (v.19).  After this initial reassurance Jesus showed the disciples his hands and his side. Verse 25 makes it clear that this refers to the nail marks in his hands and the wound from the spear in his side. It is understandable why Jesus needed to do this; it was a positive form of identification which would convince the disciples that it was indeed Jesus who had appeared to them.

When the disciples recognized Jesus they were suddenly overcome with joy. This is a fulfillment of Jesus’ words to the disciples in the Last Discourse (16:20-22) that they would have sorrow while the world rejoiced, but that their sorrow would be turned to lasting joy when they saw him again. In verse 21, Jesus repeated his reassurance to the disciples, “Peace to you,” but he now added a commission: “just as the Father has sent me, I also send you.” This is similar to 17:18, where Jesus prayed to the Father, “just as you sent me into the world, I also send them [the disciples] into the world.”

Jesus commission in verse 21 is parallel to the great commission in Matthew 28. Jesus is giving his disciples a privilege and a responsibility of fulfilling His place in the world, and of Him living in us and through us to accomplish His work through His people. He is entrusting us, with His word, and he is entrusting us with His work of making disciples of Jesus.

Investigation & Interpretation:

• Read: John 20:19-23

1. Why do you think Jesus first words to his disciples after his resurrection were "Peace be with you."? v.19
2. Why did Jesus repeat this greeting; “Peace be with you” in verse 21?
3. Wounds were sometimes shown as evidence in court. In verse 20 Jesus was proving to his disciples that it was indeed Him who had been crucified. How is verse 20 a fulfillment of John 16:22?
4. How is the peace offered by men, different from the peace from God in verse 19 & 21? (c.f. Phil 4:7)
5. What did the Father send Jesus to do? (v.21)

Application - How must I change?

• Is there a Truth to be believed?

Why is peace with God through Christ’s blood the essential foundation for bearing witness? (Hint: Are guilty people effective witnesses?)

• Is there an Attitude to be fostered?

Campbell Morgan wrote, “The ultimate reason of the mission of the Church in the world is to deal with sin.” Why is it wrong for the church to focus on how Christ can help people with their problems rather than on sin, righteousness, and judgment?

•  Is there a Behavior to be changed?

God’s purpose for us is to make disciples of Jesus Christ as we go out into the world each week. How can people who are busy with their jobs, their families, and all the other responsibilities in life stay focused on keeping Christ’s purpose as their purpose?

Conclusion

One of the last things Jesus promised is the first which He bestows —“peace.” This is a purchased blessing, secured by the shedding of Christ’s blood. But this is not just a wish, pleasant to hear, nor is it vague or idle in significance. This blessing bestowed is an actual communication of what God desires from us. Jesus says to us all, "Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you."

There are people all around us lost and dying in their sins. This mission is possible because the risen Savior has equipped us for it by giving us great peace, great proof, a great purpose, great power, and a great message we can confidently proclaim. Our Lord turns MISSION IMPOSSIBLE into MISSION POSSIBLE. Let’s not lose sight of our purpose as a church: “to glorify God by proclaiming the gospel and making Christ-like disciples who make Christ-like disciples.” To focus on anything else is to get off course. The reason we exist is to bring glory to God. We glorify God by making and developing disciples.

Prayer Points:  

1. Pray we would fulfil our purpose in making disciples of Jesus Christ.
2. Pray we will be intentional and take initiative in sharing the good news!
3. Pray that we would be a church that loves the glory of God, and has a passion for the lost!
4. Praise the Lord for the peace of God secured for us, through the resurrection of Jesus.