Finding Peace (John 20:19-31) // Sunday, April 24, 2022

Finding Peace (John 20:19-31) // Sunday, April 24, 2022

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Scripture: John 20:19-31 (Common English Bible)

Very early in the morning on the first day of the week, the women went to the tomb, bringing the fragrant spices they had prepared. They found the stone rolled away from

19 It was still the first day of the week. That evening, while the disciples were behind closed doors because they were afraid of the Jewish authorities, Jesus came and stood among them. He said, “Peace be with you.” 20 After he said this, he showed them his hands and his side. When the disciples saw the Lord, they were filled with joy. 21 Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father sent me, so I am sending you.” 22 Then he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit. 23 If you forgive anyone’s sins, they are forgiven; if you don’t forgive them, they aren’t forgiven.”

Jesus appears to Thomas and the disciples

24 Thomas, the one called Didymus,[a] one of the Twelve, wasn’t with the disciples when Jesus came. 25 The other disciples told him, “We’ve seen the Lord!”

But he replied, “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands, put my finger in the wounds left by the nails, and put my hand into his side, I won’t believe.”

26 After eight days his disciples were again in a house and Thomas was with them. Even though the doors were locked, Jesus entered and stood among them. He said, “Peace be with you.” 27 Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here. Look at my hands. Put your hand into my side. No more disbelief. Believe!”

28 Thomas responded to Jesus, “My Lord and my God!”

29 Jesus replied, “Do you believe because you see me? Happy are those who don’t see and yet believe.”

30 Then Jesus did many other miraculous signs in his disciples’ presence, signs that aren’t recorded in this scroll. 31 But these things are written so that you will believe that Jesus is the Christ, God’s Son, and that believing, you will have life in his name.


Summary:

Through the season of Lent, we will walked with Jesus through the wilderness as God prepared us for the journey ahead. The Negro Spiritual, “Wade in the Water,” reminds us that our journey to wholeness and freedom is not easy, but God is with us. Our Lenten journey was not supposed to be easy, but through it, God builds in us new faith, new love, new hope and renewed mission in Jesus’ name!

After the resurrection, the disciples were still filled with fearJesus greets them and us with ‘peace.’

Reflection Questions:

  1. What is a word, phrase or image that comes to mind when you read or hear the text?
  2. Thomas did not have peace until he felt Jesus hands and feet for himself. Jesus even performs more signs for the disciples to assure them that he is risen. Recall a time when you had confusion, but God gave you a sign of peace.
  3. What does this scripture teach you about peace?
  4. What does God invite you to do, change or be through this passage?

Discipleship Huddle Questions:

  • How is it with your soul?
  • How does your soul prosper?