4/24/22
Rev. Clint Smith
Sermon Direct Link
A troubled heart will cause confusion in the lives of people. Before His crucifixion the Lord Jesus commanded His disciples not to have a troubled heart. (John 14:1-14). The disciples allowed their faith in Jesus’ words to slip into fear of Jesus’ enemies words. They allowed their hearts to be troubled.
On resurrection morning, Mary experienced the power of God through meeting the living Jesus. She had been given purpose – “go and tell the rest of the disciples.”
On resurrection evening, the disciples were behind closed doors, fearing for their lives. Satan always brings fear through confusion.
Jesus appeared in the room where the disciples met. Initially their fear was compounded by seeing the resurrected Lord. They thought they had seen a spirit.
Jesus showed the disciples evidence of His nail scarred hands and His scarred pierced side. God the Father had raised Him from the dead and He had conquered death! Luke 24:39-43 tells us Jesus invited them to touch Him. He aided their faith by eating with them.
Jesus commanded peace to His disciples twice. Jesus restored the disciples joy.
Jesus commissioned the disciples with their life’s mission. They were to be sent out, just like God the Father sent Jesus to the earth.
Jesus breathed the gift of the Holy Spirit on the disciples present in the room. This is when they received their salvation.
Thomas was not in the room when Jesus came. The other disciples shared with him but he refused to believe.
After eight days, Jesus appeared again to His disciples, this time Thomas was there. Jesus invited Thomas to touch His scars and believe. Jesus gave him peace to believe.
Jesus commanded Thomas, “Do not be unbelieving, but stop doubting and believe.”
Thomas confessed Jesus as His risen Lord and God! Jesus acknowledged his faith and the faith of all who would believe in the future with seeing or touching Jesus. Romans 10:9-13
Jesus did many other miracles in the His disciples presence. John tells us, “these have been written so that you may believe [with a deep, abiding trust] that Jesus is the Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed), the Son of God; and that by believing [and trusting in and relying on Him] you may have life in His name.” John 20:31 AMP
Have you believed in the resurrection Jesus as your Savior?
