2^nd SUNDAY OF EASTER-B

I Reading: Acts 4:32-35: United, heart and soul.

II Reading: 1John 5:1-6: Anyone who has been begotten by God has already overcome the world.

Gospel: John 20:19-31: Eight days later, Jesus came.

The Great Character of the Church-Jesus Appears to the Disciples,

John 20:19-23

The first reading talks about the first Christian community’s unity, fellowship, worship and sharing of goods among the poor and needy in Jerusalem.

The second reading explains about God’s love, the nature of Christian’s love and its working and victory in the world as the children of God.

In the Gospel reading, the Risen Christ breaths on his disciples and gives his Peace for the whole range of spiritual well-being as God breathed on the world at its creation.  They received their commission with priestly authority to forgive and to retain sins.

This was the first appearance of Jesus to His disciples as a group after His resurrection. What would His talk and conversation about? John focuses upon the subjects and topics discussed when Jesus first appeared to the disciples.

1.    The disciples were hiding in fear (v.19)

a.    Was the same day: at night

b.    Discussed reports

c.     Jesus appeared suddenly

2.    Subject 1: The risen Lord-His presence was very real (v.19-20)

a.    His message: Peace

b.    His wounds: Evidence

c.     His effect: Unbelievable joy and gladness when they saw Him

3.    Subject 2: The Great Commission (v.21)

4.    Subject 3: The Holy Spirit (v.22-23)

a.    The endowment or the giving of the Spirit

b.    The authority

 

The Great Conviction-Thomas’ Confession, John 20:24-29

This is an excellent study on conviction and confession. It is the great conviction and confession of Thomas.

1.    Thomas’ frustrated reactionary spirit (v.24-25)

a.    The disciples testified; Thomas argued

b.    The reason: Guilt-he had forsaken and withdrawn from them

2.    Thomas’ false picture of Jesus (v.25-26).

a.    He was just an earthly deliverer

b.    He was now dead

c.     Result: persistent doubt for eight days

3.    Thomas’ critical confrontation and confession: Jesus appeared and challenged and convicted him (v.26-28)

a.    The confrontation

1)    Jesus was aware of Thomas’ demands

2)    Jesus warned and called for belief

4.    Thomas’ great lesson for all men (v.29)

 

The Great Purpose of the Signs (Wonderful Works) of Jesus, 20:30-31

 It is quite clear that the gospel writers did not include all that Jesus did in their gospels. A few signs are recorded which are very essential for people according to the plan of God. The word “Sign” chosen by John who demonstrates that Jesus was the Messiah, the Son of God. In these two verses, John gives the great purpose of the sings.

1.    The great fact: Jesus did many signs or wonderful works (v.30)

a.    In the disciples’ presence

b.    Not recorded by John

2.    The great purpose: To select a few signs that would lead to belief (v.31)

a.    Jesus is the Messiah

b.    Jesus is the Son of God

3.    The great result: Life through Jesus’ name

Thought: Jesus gave all the evidence in the world:

·       Acts of love and purity

·       Acts of righteousness and justice

·       Works of mercy and compassion

·       Works of miracles and power

·       Works of godliness and sovereignty

·       Words of truth and salvation

·       Words of peace and faith

·       Words of hope and joy

·       Words of morality and discipline

·       Words of commitment and self-denial

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