John 20:19-31: Summary:

Summary: On the night of the first Easter Sunday, the disciples are gathered together under the premise that the tomb is empty and the report that Jesus is apparently risen. Amid their fear, Jesus, never minding closed doors, appears, preaching the grace of peace to them. He invites them to see Him, that neither the cross, nor the grave have conquered Him---or them. Again, He preaches peace! He then breathes on them, and they receive the Holy Spirit from Him for the sake of the task in front of them, which appears to be authoritatively preaching the message of forgiveness and charitably affirming true faith in Jesus Christ. Thomas was not present, so he missed this blessing. Though the others tell Him the good news, he refuses to believe it unless he can see Jesus Himself. Jesus appears again. In mercy, He invites Thomas to examine Him. Thomas believes and gives the great confession: Jesus is his Lord and his God. Blessed, Jesus says, are those who do not see as Thomas did and still believe. John notes that he's been selective in his reporting, choosing things he thinks most conducive to faith in Jesus as the divine Christ and Giver of spiritual life to sinners.

Sermone Outline:

1. The peace of the risen Christ to combat all fear. (20:19-20)

2: The power of the risen Christ for carrying out His commission. (20:21-23)

3: The presentation of the risen Christ to remove all doubt. (20:24-31)

a: Christ's presentation to Thomas. (20:24-29)

b: John's presentation to all. (20:30-31)