JESUS SHOWED HIMSELF. John 21 Showed His Person. He was seen by the disciples behind the closed door of the upper room. There was fear and joy mixed. Fear of the Jews, and gladness when “He showed them His hands and His side.” He gave them peace and a commission to do the same as He had done. “As the Father hath sent Me, even so, send I you.” He gave them the promise that the Holy Spirit would support their work. They were assured of His physical resurrection and had gladness of soul when He showed Himself to be the omnipotent RESURRECTED CHRIST.
He was seen eight days later in the same place behind closed doors. Thomas was here this time. He had heard and had not believed. He wanted his faith to be personal. He knew what to look for to have the assurance of the reality of the Lord’s resurrection. He wanted evidence. And now he has it. “Then came Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst…;” He showed Himself again. But there is more this time. He lets them know. He hears their words in private conversation, no matter where it is or what is said. He hears, He knows, He understands the reason for the words and actions. Thomas believed and worshipped the Lord Jesus Christ, when he saw the marks in His body and heard the words of His mouth. There is gladness and blessing when He shows Himself to be the omnipresent LIVING CHRIST.
His disciples saw him the third time [Jn.21:14] by the sea in Galilee. They hardly knew what to be doing. Waiting is one of the hardest things we have to learn in our lives. They were together but inactive. They were together and ready for any suggestion. They were together and easily influenced to do what seemed natural. He met them in private, at the breaking of the new day. He knew the emptiness of the boat. He knew the uncertainty of their minds. He knew the emptiness of their hands. He knew the emptiness of their stomachs – and He showed Himself to His disciples. When the boat was filled with “the multitude of the fishes;” when their hands were so filled, they “were not able to draw it;” when the uncertainty was gone, then John confessed “It is the Lord.” He showed Himself to be the omniscient LOVING CHRIST.
Showed His Provision. Peter knew, as the challenge of love came, that He showed Himself as to who He is. The other disciples knew, as they ate together of the provision He made, that He showed Himself. We know, as we feed on the living bread and drink of the living water, that He shows Himself today. He shows Himself to be with us “even unto the end of the age.” It is without question that we respond to His presence with joy and gladness today.
The labor is expended as day after day, the fallow ground is turned until with suitable texture and water, the sun is able to warm the earth. Then the sower goes forth and sows the precious seed that he has kept, so that bread to supply the hungry comes out of the soil’s depth. The sun has not arisen when the fisherman leaves the safety of the land. He labors on relentlessly until he can take the fruit of his toil in storm and wind with his hand. To some, it is only fish, but without his ceaseless labor, many meals by many people would be missed.
Just what we want and need comes from the land and sea of God’s creation. The “staff of life” gives instant strength and fish for the whole body to feed. All of the earth, both water and land, was made by God for man’s provision and is there for every man to take if each one makes the right decision. It is unmistakable that from creation, beginning to the very end, God has met each need we have in His fullness. He sends “bread and fish” for the body and also full sustenance for the soul so that through the Son of God, every person can be made whole.
Showed His Promise. It was not only a spiritual crucifixion Peter had before him. The Lord Jesus revealed men would crucify him. The cross Peter would die on was physical and real and He chose to reveal this fact to Peter. To those of us who live near the end of this day of grace, we can trace the way of God with His own people through the centuries past. We realize most don't know until it is about to happen, how death will take place, or how from the earth we will be taken, but all of God's children have one special thing in common. We all have been identified with Christ; the death of the cross is on them. Of course, not all were nailed to a cross or tree but every believer knows that Jesus died on the cross for me.
As far as God is concerned, when Christ died, so did I. He gave His life for me; therefore, I died in Christ. The enemy cannot deny that my sin was to Christ imputed, so now I live as a new creation, not just an old one uprooted. The seed that was the Lord Himself who fell into the ground and died. The fruit from that death is a new life that always abides in Him and is fruitful. Because He now lives, we who believe, live in Christ today, and He will never take away the life He gave us.
Like Peter, I too must fall into the ground and die. The new life that comes from me is something I cannot deny. There is spiritual fruit that comes from each believer and springs from the Life-Source Himself bringing that which He desires. There should be evidence that I have been crucified with Christ. Every true believer knows what it is like to be born twice. The old man is mortified; in Christ, death has taken place. The new man is alive in Christ by the work of God's grace. The Son of God is bringing “many sons to glory” with Him!
“O God, I follow the written words, but inside of me I follow Him and see Him come forth before the hardened eyes and hearts of those who live only for themselves. I follow and see Him come forth from the presence of a deeply embarrassed judge who knows what is right, but does wrong. I see Him come forth through the gates of David’s city – and His own, to die outside the camp, and I willingly go forth unto Him without the camp, bearing His reproach. I love Thee Lord Jesus. Amen.”
THE SENTENCE, v.1-16 v.1. The Lord Jesus had been declared not guilty of any crime. He had been sent to Herod, but Herod sent Him back to Pilate. Pilate had no right to scourge an innocent person, but he told the soldiers to do that anyway. v.2. Crown of thorns: proof of the curse God put on the earth [Gal.3:13]. Cursed is anyone who is hanged on a tree. He was bearing our curse. v.3. Purple robe: this was an act of mockery. They placed on Him kingly garments. In Mat.27:28, it is called a scarlet robe. In Lu.23:11 it is called a gorgeous (“lampros”) robe. These were the colors in the veil, tabernacle covering and the gate. Blue and scarlet make purple and “lampros” is white. Smote Him: this fulfills the scripture, “he gave His face to the smiters;” they insulted Him. v.4. Another declaration of innocence: six people declared Him innocent. [1] Judas [2] Pilate’s wife [3] Herod [4] Malefactor [5] Centurion [Pilate] v.5. “Behold, the Man”: Pilate may have been looking for people to be sympathetic towards Jesus when they saw Him beaten. v.6. Chief priests and officers: they had no authority to crucify Him. Jewish law was to stone the one who blasphemed; another declaration of innocence. v.7. Our law: the law commanded blasphemers to be stoned by those who condemned the victim. The Jews accusations against Christ….
- He said destroy the temple and He would rebuild it in three days
- He said He was the Son of the Blessed, the Son of God
- He was a malefactor; a lawbreaker
- He would not give tribute to Caesar because He was the King
- He stirred up the people
v.8. Pilate’s fear: when he heard Jesus was the Son of God, his superstitious mind was fearful v.9. Pilate’s question: “Where did you come from?” Pilate had not acted on what he already knew, so the Lord refused to tell him more. v.10. Pilate’s anger: he was used to prisoners trying to please in order to be let off v.11. Authority: the law doesn’t give authority to set the guilty free and have an innocent one killed. God gave Pilate this authority to work out His plans. Some people are guilty of greater sins than others. v.12. Declared innocent again: he wanted to maintain Caesar’s friendship and did not want the Jews to accuse him to Caesar. He might lose his position. The Jews hated Christ more than they hated Caesar. v.13. Pilate’s decision: the “Pavement” was an elevated place there he could sit above the people and pass sentence. v.14. The Passover: [Num.28:16-17] there were to feasts the Jews kept. One was to remember the salvation of the firstborn before they actually left Egypt, and the other was the feast of unleavened bread. v.15. No king but Caesar: a decision was made in haste and publicly that put them under the rule of others for hundreds of years. v.16. Pilate’s response: he delivered Jesus to be crucified. He chose to please man rather than God. Over all this was God’s sovereign plan to offer His only Son because of our sins [Rom.4:25; 8:32]
THE CRUCIFIXION, 17-24 v.17. Bearing His cross: there is no evidence of Christ being weak. When we read of Simon bearing it “after Jesus,” Mr. Crawford indicates in his book on Luke, Simon had to lift up the post of the cross which would force the Lord to bend lower under the load. The “Place of the Skull,” “Golgotha” (Hebrew); “Calvary,” are all referring to the same place. v.18. Crucified Him: the Jewish leaders and nation were charged with His crucifixion. Peter makes that statement in Acts 2:36, “God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ.” (Master and Messiah). Two others: these men were criminals, malefactors, thieves – Jesus was between them. JESUS “IN THE MIDST.”
- Acts 2:22. “In the midst of you.” Jesus in the world.
- Jn.19:18. “Jesus in the midst.” Jesus on the cross.
- Ps.22:14. “My heart… melted in the midst of My bowels.” Jesus in His sufferings.
- Ps.22:22. “In the midst of the congregation.” His exaltation.
- Ps.110:2. “Rule in the midst of thine enemies.” His future glory.
- Rev.1:13. “In the midst of the…candlesticks.” His priestly work.
- Isa.12:6; Hos.11:9; Rev.5:6; 7:17; Mat.18:20; Lu.24:36; Jn.20:19,26. “In the midst…” of His people; with His people – the Holy One: in the past—the Peace-Giver; in the present – Jesus Himself; in the future – the Lamb.
The Tree of life: [1] in the midst of the garden [Gen.2:9; 3:3] [2] in the midst of the paradise of God [Rev.2:7; 22:2]. The Lord’s People (in the present):
- Walk in the midst of trouble [Ps.138:7].
- In the midst of people of unclean lips [Isa.6:5].
- In the midst of a crooked and perverse generation [Phil.2:15].
- In the midst of wolves (as sheep) [Mat.10:16].
- In the midst of the fire (walking) [Dan.3:25].
Trespass in the midst: Achan, after the fall of Jericho [Josh.7]. A woman in the midst: condemned by men and the law because of sin [Jn.8:9]. A little child in the midst: the kind of people in the kingdom of heaven [Mat.18:2; Mk. 9:36]. The veil rent in the midst: the way opened to God [Lu.23:45].
John 19:25-27. “Now there stood by the cross of Jesus His mother, and His mother’s sister. Mary the wife of Cleopas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus therefore saw His mother, and the disciple whom He loved standing by, He said to His mother, ‘Woman, behold your son!’ Then said He to the disciple, ‘Behold your mother!’ And from that hour that disciple took her to his own home.” THEY WERE THERE. They were there at the cross where the Savior hung; The others were far away. His mother wanted to be near her Son, To hear what He had to say. The women who knew Him from early life, And had followed Him wherever He went; Knew the pain that would strike to His inner self, As under sins’ load He was bent.
He had said before what would happen to Him, How He would suffer and bleed and die. They had heard the words, now right before them, It was happening as they had heard Him say. But they wouldn’t leave Him, they knew who He was; They had heard and had seen and believed. The scriptures of truth and words of the law, Now at this place of the curse, were fulfilled.
His mother who bare Him, and kept in her heart, All the things that He said and He did; Were there to behold, though like pieced with a dart, When her Son spoke His last, final words. The other women there, with support and with faith, Were not about to leave Him alone. But when the darkness covered the earth, They couldn’t see Him, as there for our sins He atoned.
John was there too, by the One that he loved And knew to be the Savior of men. He was in the right place where his faith clearly showed He could be trusted to give Mary a home. John was there when sins He forgave, and the thief He did save; When his Lord spoke directly to him. He was there when the words of accomplishment came; He was there when the Lord bowed His head
To be right where He wants when a work’s to be done; Or some privilege to share with Him there; Is a blessing so great that we can then pass along; To our children, that they also may share. The work of the Lord that He does in our time; May seem small when we look from afar. But when we are there, close enough to see Him, Then we realize how He views it all.
“It is my desire, Father, to not be far away when I should be near at hand. If I am wandering to some distant place or even in my mind, I am praying Thee to bring me back to the place where He is doing His work and fulfilling His word. It is my joy to see evidence of His saving grace at work in people young and old, saved and unsaved. When glory is brought to Him, I am gratified. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen.”
Summation: Pro. 4:20-21. “Keep them in the midst of thine heart.” v.19. A title: the statement on it was true. That was to tell the reason for His death. v.20. Three languages: the writing was for all to know. v.21. The Jews objection: they didn’t want to be identified with Him [Jn.1:12]. “He came unto His own, and His own received Him not.” v.22. Pilate’s refusal: “I have written.” He writing makes clear to all the reason for Jesus’ death. v.23. Jesus’ clothes: scripture is fulfilled again: “They parted my garments among them…” Why is the fulfilling of scripture so important? v.24. Seamless robe: this reminds us of His sinless perfection; Scarlet robe – of the shameful rejection; Separated (linen) clothes (in the grave) – of His supernatural resurrection. v.25. Stood by: standing by the cross were His mother, His mother’s sister (Salome, self-examination); Mary the wife of Cleopas; Mary Magdalene (redemption) v.26-27. John: accepting responsibility for Mary. Jesus was not being impolite or unkind when He called her “woman.” Mary’s other children were, up till now, unbelievers [Mat.13:55-56; Jn.7:3-5]. The third cry from the cross “Woman, behold thy son, behold thy mother.”
- “Woman,” a revelation of life: the seed of the woman [Gen.3:15]; the Son of God came, made of a woman [Gal.4:4]. Here was the woman, and there was her Seed. The word of God was fulfilled. The bruising of the serpent’s head was about to happen. Life had come to end death.
- “Woman,” a revelation of light: it is never recorded that Jesus ever used the word “mother” when speaking to Mary. He would never use a word that would give the slightest support to the worship of Mary. Even when the wise men came at His birth, they worshipped Him and presented to Him gifts – not to them. Mary glorified God her Savior. Mary was blessed among women, not above women. Our last view of her in the Bible shows her praying with the disciples, not for them. Here the Lord is cutting the earthly relationship. John is now her son; she was John’s mother.
- “Woman,” a revelation of love: the Lord had to go through the death of the cross alone. By using the word “woman,” He was sparing her from any insult that perhaps would come because of being her son. Mary didn’t take John to her home; Mary is put under the care of John and he is in charge of her.
THE DEATH v.28. Accomplished: between verse 27 and verse 28 was the three hours of darkness recorded in other Gospels. During that time “He bare our sins;” “He suffered for sins;” “the Lord laid on Him, the iniquities of us all.” The fifth cry from the cross “I thirst.”
- The Deity of Christ: “Jesus knowing…” The first time His “knowing” was mentioned is in John 1:48, “Whence knowest Thou me?” The last was in John 21:17, “Lord; Thou knowest all things, Thou knowest, that I love Thee!” In between we read in John 13:3-4, “Jesus knowing the Father had given all things into His hand…” Our Lord was in full possession of His mental faculties. This was in the fulfillment of scripture [Lam.3:19] but contrasted with the vigor of the previous cry, is the dignity and intelligence of this one.
- The Devotion of Christ: “That the scripture might be fulfilled…” He makes this cry on behalf of the scriptures. The first three cries were on behalf of other people. Now, after the darkness and the distance is past, His mind is on the prophetic word. Although many scriptures had been fulfilled, the one about the thirst [Ps.69:21] had not yet been fulfilled. It wasn’t the thirst that opened His lips but the scriptures that must be completed. These words were not so much an appeal as an appointment. This was an application that had to be fulfilled even in the midst of His affliction.
- The Dependence of Christ: “I thirst.” Thousands of angels could have come to His aid, but the One who created water cried, “I thirst.” The same verse that tells us of His essential deity, tells us of His absolute humanity. This is the mystery of godliness – “God was manifest in flesh.” He began His public ministry by hungering, and finished it by thirsting.
v.29. Vinegar: the scriptures were fulfilled now. This was the last prophetic one that must be fulfilled. v.30. Finished: this is the most quoted one and perhaps the most well known. Peter wanted to “see the end” [Mat.26:58]. Calvary was the “end of all flesh” [Gen.6:13]. Calvary was the “end of the world” [Heb.9:26]. It was the “end of the law for righteousness [Rom.10:4]. It was the “end of the Sabbaths” [Mat.28:1]. The sixth cry from the cross “It is finished.”
- Scriptures were finished: many references are made regarding the death of Christ in the Old Testament. These were now fulfilled and the texts of the prophetic statements give the picture of the Lord being despised and rejected of men, and at the same time, heaven’s offering for sin. “He was delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God…” [Acts 2:23]. He was cut off in the midst of His years, yet prolonging His days. He was cut off having nothing, yet seeing of the travail of His soul and being satisfied [Dan.9:26; Is. 53:11].
- Sufferings were finished: In His ministry [Mat.8:16-17] and in His death [Is.53:4] He suffered. “Surely He hath borne our grief and carried our sorrows.” All of the offerings He would have made in His life would have been reminders of the cross which was before Him. The Messianic Psalms and other scriptures that were His custom to read, would have been vivid in His mind as He thought of His approaching death. Three years of being misunderstood and misrepresented; of temptation and trial, were finished. Now He could bow His head and rest. Joy lay ahead of Him who endured the cross and despised the shame.
- Sacrifices were finished: [Heb.10:5-10] none of the thousands of sacrifices previously made could put away sins. They were only covered. By this one offering, He perfected forever those who were sanctified. The sacrifices are obsolete now. Christ’s sacrifice rises above all those, and supersedes them. His offering is supreme, solitary and sufficient. Any other form such as the mass, is an insult to the finality of the work of Calvary. There can be no other atonement for sin.
- Service was finished: [Jn.17:4] His Father’s work He started doing as a boy [Lu.2:49], was done. Now He could lay down His head. He had no place to “lay down His head” in His years of service. His work was not finished until the cross work was accomplished. The supreme work He came to do was complete. The work He is doing now in preparing a place for us in heaven, and appearing in the presence of God for us, is not part of the supreme redemptive work that He declared finished.
- Satan was finished: [Jn.12:31; Heb.2:14] Satan’s power over believers is destroyed and his doom is certain. We are warned of the “wiles of the devil,” but are not to dread his power [Jas.4:7]. We are told to “resist the devil, and he will flee…” The success of the cross spelled his doom. He will be bruised under our feet shortly [Rom.16:20].
- Salvation was finished: We are freed from the penalty of sins – it has been paid, and the wrath against it exhausted in the cry of triumph from the Lord. Freedom from the power and presence of sin follows as a result. We are saved by His life because we have been reconciled by His death. His second appearance unto salvation is because of His first appearance to put away sin. The Greek word for “It is finished,” is “tetelestai,” one word meaning “Finished.” God finishes what He begins. He finished creation. He finished propitiation at Calvary, and He will finish the good work He began in us, in the day of Jesus Christ [Phil.1:6].
- Sin was finished: [Jas.1:15] The death of the Lord Jesus Christ has finished sin. It does not have dominion over us. It is not our master. Because of what Christ did, there will be a time when sin is done away with and there will be only righteousness.
v.31. The broken legs: the Jews asked that this be done. They were careful to keep the law even when committing murder. There could be no broken bones in the Passover lamb [Ex.12:16; Ps.34:20; Zec.12:10]. v.32. The Lord’s promise to the thief could be kept because they both died that day. v.33. Jesus was already dead: He gave His life as ransom for all. No one took it from Him. He laid it down Himself deliberately. v.34. Pierced His side: perhaps the soldier was making sure, but he was really fulfilling God’s purpose. “Behold My hands and side…” v.35. John testifies: he must have taken Mary home (“from that same hour he took her unto his own home”) and returned to the cross. John makes reference to the water and blood in 1John 5:6. v.36. Explanations of God’s control over simple situations and v.37. Over the actions of men. Some unexplainable things have to be seen from God’s view.
John 19:30. "When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, 'It is finished;' and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost." FINISHED! The cross and God's greatest work. That was not just martyrdom when on the cross He hung. It was not just an example of self-sacrifice or a work that was finally done. There was far more than physical suffering involved that happened on the cross. There was a work of God that was finished so we wouldn't be forever lost.
God reached to man in human form, though God He would ever be. The righteous punishment for sin when Jesus was on the tree Was a deed accomplished that would make it possible for us to be reconciled To God in a righteous and legal way and that I could become God's child.
The price of redemption had to be paid that a holy God could justify. The blood that flowed from Emmanuel's veins was the only way to buy The slaves of sin and make them acceptable and forgiveness to obtain. Redemption's price has been paid once for all and forever will be maintained.
There doesn't need to ever be a fresh application of Christ's blood. Remission of sin was paid for at the cross and it satisfies a Holy God. Anything anyone tries to do to obtain some additional favor, Would be an unspeakable insult to the redemptive cross-work of the Savior.
Because of the cross there is incentive to live lives wholly pleasing to Him. Appreciation for the sacrifice Christ made, makes it abhorrent to us to sin. When sin besets us we feel within the urgency to return In confession to God and with faith we trust a lesson we have finally learned.
Love for Christ is a reality that we cannot just pretend. It is placed by God deep within when the Holy Spirit He did send. He prompts our obedience and a deep commitment that from it we cannot shirk. The accomplishments that took place at the cross is truly God's greatest work.
"O Father, this morning my thoughts go again to all that was accomplished when Jesus died on the cross. We probably will learn in the future and whole lot more was done than all we know now. For what I do know, I praise and thank Thee from my heart. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen."
THE BURIAL v.38. Joseph of Arimathea: counselor, good man, just v.39. Nicodemus: the size of his gift testifies to the love he had for the Lord. v.40. Burial customs: only rich men had tombs in gardens. v.41. His body had to be buried before sunset as the Sabbath began at that time. In this way the Lord would be three days and three nights in the earth. v.42. THE HUMILITY OF CHRIST: Ruth 3:4,14. “Mark the place where He shall lie.” [In the Gospels] His grace [Lu.2]: “lying in a manger.” The King of kings in humiliation. “Ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ ...........” His faith [Mk.4:38]: “...hinder part of the ship.” “I must finish the work of Him who sent me.” His work [Matt.26:39]: “...fell on His face and prayed...” “It is finished...” His victory [Jn.19:42]: “There laid they Jesus.” “I have power to lay down My life and I have power to take it again.” He set aside the laws of birth, death and gravity.
“Bring the vail that thou hast upon thee and hold it.” His humility: [Phil.2] His Person: Our subjection to His person. Do we have a veil on to receive a blessing from Him? His blessing: The size of the veil determined the size of the blessing.
“Uncover His feet.” [In the Gospels] Matthew: The only One born a king. Mark: The Servant Luke: 2000 words to tell of the supernatural birth of the Perfect Man. 24:39; 7:38; 10:39. John: The Son of God.
John 20:1-10 THE RESURRECTION The Reality of the Resurrection: “He is risen”, not something like Him; “He is the first-fruits of resurrection”; “a spirit hath not flesh and bones as ye see Me have”, His resurrection was a literal resurrection. There were eye-witnesses: Mary, two on the road to Emmaus, Peter, then the ten apostles. A week later when Philip was there - the eleven apostles. The apostles went to meet Him at Galilee and there met with 500 brethren at once. He was seen visibly for forty days by all the apostles. He met with His brother, James, and then with Paul on the road to Damascus. The eleven watched His ascension into heaven from the mount of Olives.
The Reason for the Resurrection: The Lord Jesus Christ was “Raised again for our justification”, [Rom.4:25]. One of the reasons for which Christ died was, “That they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto Him which died for them and rose again”, [2Cor.5:15]. There was divine approval given to the Person and finished work of Christ, in that “God raised Him from the dead.” He was raised again by “the power of the Holy Spirit.” He said Himself regarding His life-giving power in relation to His own physical life, “I have power to lay it down, and I have power to raise it again.”
The Results of the Resurrection: Timid men were made bold [Acts 2:32] because they believed in a living Savior. Men were made resolute and strong as the Spirit of God gave power to the word they spoke. Christianity was made strong and spread to the far parts of the world and still goes on changing lives today. The way to heaven was made plain so no one needs to doubt their faith placed in the Lord Jesus Christ is in a real living Person. Salvation was promised, “If thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and believe in thy heart that God raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.” [Rom.10:9.
John 20 THE NEW DAY. On that new day before the sun was up The sepulcher was opened, they could not stop The One who holds the key of life From using that power while it was still night – To bring about a brand-New Day That liberates men from sin’s dark sway, And letting us know death is not the end, By shedding light on a life that with God’s does blend. The opened sepulcher clearly does say – The Risen Christ brought in a brand-New Day.
Mary came early while it still was dark. Seeing the opened tomb, there was a leap in her heart. Others came too going inside to confirm the fact Something important had happened – not a normal act. The news was out, “I have seen the Lord,” Mary could say, The Lord was risen from the dead – it was a brand-New Day. The disciples were changed, though there still was fear – Jesus was alive, to them in the evening He appeared. From then until now, disciples know He is not dead – A New Day is here and we will be with Him as He said.
The New Day started when the Savior arose from among the dead. He conquered those who had conquered us, He is now our Risen Head. Sin’s power has been defeated by the payment He did make, Satan’s leadership is gone from those who God’s free gift take. Death lost its control when the Savior voluntarily gave His life by choosing to lay it down so lost sinners He would save. When He rose by power divine the grave then lost it sting, Through death, burial and resurrection many children did He bring To God, and each redeemed one will for ever say, “When my blessed Lord rose from the dead, it began a brand-New Day.”
“Holy Father God, I praise Thee f or the great news of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. It would be awful if our faith was placed in vain upon an uncertain hope. For the grace, mercy and peace that comes by faith in Christ, and the assurance of His life at Thy right hand and His promised return, I give Thee my grateful thanks, in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen.”
John 20:11-29 JESUS CAME The doctrine of the resurrection of Christ leaves only two choices: To believe that Jesus rose from the dead without questioning the reality of event, or to be closed to the truth, deny it, try to explain it away. Comprehending the resurrection has a variety of responses. Some say it is a fairy tale; it is impossible. Others want to check out the facts but still remain puzzled because the facts have presented themselves positively to the world in the lives and faith of millions of people for nearly 2000 years. Still others accept the fact of the resurrection of Jesus in faith by accepting Jesus personally. When we believe in the bodily resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ, our faith and our commitment to Him increases daily and leads us to understand the reality of His presence with us. That reality is experienced today and every day.
The key to the Christian faith is that He rose as He promised and He will accomplish all He has promised. The living Christ is the ruler of God’s kingdom in which every believer in Jesus as their own personal Savior, is a citizen. We can be certain of our resurrection because of His resurrection. "Because He lives, we shall live also." The power that brought Jesus back to life is available to us. The resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ is the basis of the Church’s witness to the world. Every Christian's hope in life, and in death, is the resurrection of Christ.
John 20:16. “Jesus saith unto her, ‘Mary!’ she turned and saith unto Him, ‘Rabboni!’ which is to say, ‘Master!’’’
“MARY!” Mary’s coming – no more waiting or wondering. The first day is here – the third since He died. He said three days and three nights – the only sign. No time to waste – this is no time to wait; Darkness will soon be gone. It is hard to see with the mind and eye. The stone is taken away. Day dawns in the mind and eye Mary sees the space – empty!
Mary’s running – they must be told; is it true? He is taken away – no sign to see now. Where is He – I want to see! Where to turn next; who can help? Please! These tears won’t stop outside the tomb. Bending, looking, wondering. Two in white easily seen through tears; One at the head, the other at the feet Mary sees the Grave-clothes between them.
Mary’s weeping – I want to know: now, where. He’s gone – my Lord’s gone. Where is He? The two in white ask why and she turns away. Another is here and asks why and who she seeks. Why are you weeping? What reason can there be? Blinded eyes are opened by a voice. His voice; His word; His tone. It is He – the Master, He speaks again! Mary sees the feet, hands – her heart is full.
Mary’s speaking – she has news and joy. Her message is clear - He is alive. His message is clear – I ascend to My Father To your Father; to My God and your God. We are still in this together. We are not done – tell all He said. He spoke, He appeared; Mary was right. He is in the midst – He shows the evidence. Mary sees His face – she is glad - and so am I!
“What can I say Father, except I am so glad my Savior is alive. I think I know some of what Mary knew. The joy, the exhilaration, the assurance: I haven’t seen but I love – and believe. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen.”
John 20:19. “Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut, where the disciples were assembled, for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, ‘Peace be unto you.’”
UPPER ROOM MEETING. PRESENCE of the Risen Christ, v.19. “He stood in the midst.” He was there, visible, real, Himself. The same One who was on the cross. The One who died and was buried. He is here in the midst of His own people. He is alive! Hallelujah!
PEACE from the Crucified Lord, v.19. “Peace be unto you.” He gave His peace before to them. He is the Prince of Peace. He is the message of peace. His peace is not like the world’s peace. Preaching peace by Jesus Christ, He is Lord. Praise Him!
POWER from the Breathing Lord, v.22. “He breathed upon them.” There is work to be done. There is a world that needs to hear the Gospel. There is a call that is given and a call that comes. There are people who have been given power. Thank Him!
SENT FORTH by Christ, v.21. “As My Father hath sent Me, even so send I you.” A commission is given. A message of glad tidings. A challenge to rise to. A charge by the Risen Head. Go ye therefore!
REVELATION of Christ, v.20. “He shewed them His hands and His side.” Reality is there to be seen. Evidence is there to be seen. Mercy’s marks are there to been seen. Love’s imprint is there to be seen – forever! Glory to God!
AUTHORITY from Christ, v.23. “Whosever sins ye remit, they are remitted.” Speak clearly so no mistakes are made. Speak authoritatively so the truth is clear. Speak powerfully as the Spirit guides. Speak continuously so that no one forgets. Preach the Word!
GLADNESS through Christ, v.20. “Then were the disciples glad, when they saw the Lord.” Joy in the heart because He lives. Joy in the life because we have a purpose and message. Joy in the voice with a song upraised in praise. Joy in the soul because of fellowship with Him. Jesus lives!
“The Lord Jesus in the middle of His own people, is where He belongs, Father. It is a joy and a calm assurance to know that He is with us and in us and among us. His presence with us makes it possible to continue the work we are doing, even though at the moment, the work seems futile. I know this is not true, but this is one of those times when I wonder what we are really doing here that is of lasting value. Please give us something to go on with. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen.”
John 20:30-31 THESE ARE WRITTEN THAT YE MIGHT BELIEVE
Resurrection power is the power that catapulted Christianity onto the stage of world history. The resurrection of Christ [Acts 1:22] was the purpose for which the early Christian community came into being. They were to bear witness to the resurrection of Christ wherever the Gospel was preached. The prime function of the Christian community today is to witness to the resurrection of our Lord Jesus to our generation and to the world of lost souls all around us.
The transforming power of the Gospel is not the ethical teachings of Jesus, but the resurrection of Jesus and all the implications that go along with that fact. The resurrection and ascension of the Lord Jesus Christ opened the way for the unprecedented invasion into our world of the Holy Spirit of God. Joel prophesied it 800 years before it happened. When people received the Holy Spirit, that opened up a personal fellowship with God that is based on the reality of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. He is truly alive in His resurrected body and is a real touchable Person who represents us at the right hand of the throne of God.
The cross of Christ reveals man’s basic problem – hostility against God. Some of those who were involved in the crucifixion of Christ, heard Peter preach and were called upon to repent and face up to the resurrected Jesus who was Lord and Christ. If they wanted to be saved, they had to demonstrate the reality of their faith and their sincerity by calling on the name of the Lord. Then they were baptized as evidence of the reality of their profession.
John 20:25. "The other disciples therefore said unto him, We have seen the Lord. But he said unto them, Except I shall in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hands into his side, I will not believe."
THE PRINT: the cross and its identification. They are there: those visible evidences of an atoning sacrifice. Those wounds will forever testify to a work that is done - The indelible, unmistakable prints remain that human eyes Will be assured among all the false Christs that He is the One.
They are there: The Presence of the Risen Christ was thus identified - As He stood in their midst to show Himself to them. Startled by His appearance for they had seen Him crucified - He came to assure them by those prints, it was truly Him.
They are there: those wounds easily seen in His hands and His side - He spoke Peace to them as their crucified Lord - Now risen and visible, in no way trying to hide Those pierced hands and feet prophesied in God's Word.
They are there: see them in stretched out hands and deep spear wound. The blood has been shed and there is remission. This silences all false testimony some make that He only swooned - The cleansing flow paid the full price of redemption.
There will be false Chirsts come out of the darkness from time to time - Making false claims to those who their words believe. A simple test works that gives proof - ask for a visible sign Of nail prints and a spear wound before you give any heed.
There will be the time when He comes for His own. The prints will be there easily seen by all. Thomas was assured that from death Christ had come And the proof will still be there when for us He calls.
I don't know whether I will be allowed to touch the pierced hands, Or if through His royal robes the wound in His side will be shown. But I don't need to see visibly when by faith I can Be identified with Jesus' death, for His death was my own.
"Father, I praise Thee for giving testimony in Thy Word of the evidence of the death and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. As one who has been crucified with Christ, I trust my hands are holy as I lift them up to Thee in worship. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen."
John 21:1. "After these things Jesus shewed Himself again to His disciples at the sea of Tiberias; and on this wise shewed He Himself.” SHEWED HIMSELF. He was seen by the disciples behind the closed door of the upper room. There was fear and joy mixed. Fear of the Jews and gladness when “He shewed them His hands and His side.” He gave them peace and a commission to do the same as He had done. “As the Father hath sent Me, even so send I you.” He gave them the promise that the Holy Spirit would support their work. They were assured of His physical resurrection and had gladness of soul when He showed Himself to be truly the omnipotent RESURRECTED CHRIST.
He was seen eight days later in the same place behind closed doors. Thomas was here this time. He had heard and had not believed. He wanted his faith to be personal. He knew what to look for to have the assurance of the reality of the Lord’s resurrection. He wanted evidence. And now he got it. “Then came Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst…;” He showed Himself again. But there is more this time. He lets them know He hears their words in private conversation, no matter where it is and no matter what is said. He hears, He knows, He understands the reason for the words and actions. Thomas believed and worshipped the Lord Jesus Christ, when he saw the marks in His body and heard the words of His mouth. There is gladness and blessing when He shows Himself to be the omnipresent LIVING CHRIST.
He was seen the third time [Jn.21:14] by His disciples by the sea in Galilee. They hardly knew what to be doing. Waiting is one of the hardest things we have to learn in our lives. They were together but inactive. They were together and ready for any suggestion. They were together and easily influenced to do what seemed natural. The place He met them was in private, at the breaking of the new day. He knew the emptiness of the boat. He knew the uncertainty of their minds. He knew the emptiness of their hands. He knew the emptiness of their stomachs – and He showed Himself to His disciples. When the boat was filled, “the multitude of the fishes;” when their hands were filled, they “were not able to draw it;” when the uncertainty was gone, “It is the Lord.” He showed Himself to be the omniscient LOVING CHRIST.
Peter knew, as the challenge of love came, that He showed Himself. The others disciples knew, as they ate together of the provision He made, that He showed Himself. We know, as we feed of the living bread and drink of the living water, that He shows Himself today. He shows Himself to be with us; “even unto the end of the age.” It is without question that we respond to His presence with joy and gladness today.
“Father, I am always glad when there is the privilege of seeing Him who is invisible to the natural eye. To be able to see Him through faith is one of my life’s greatest pleasures. Amen.”
John 21 BREAD AND FISH. The labor is expended as day after day, fallow ground is turned Until with suitable texture and water, the sun is able to warm the earth, And the sower goes forth and sows precious seed that he has kept, So that bread to supply the hungry comes out of the soil’s depth.
The sun has not arisen when the fisher leaves the safety of land. He labors on relentlessly until he can take with his own hand The fruit of his toil in storm and wind – to some it is only fish, But without his ceaseless labor, many meals by men would be missed.
From land and sea of God’s creation comes just what we want and need. The “staff of life” to give instant strength, and fish for the whole body to feed – All of earth, both water and land, made by God for mans’ provision, Is there for the taking by every man if each one makes the right decision.
It is unmistakable from the creation beginning to the very end, God has from His fullness for each need we have He did send “Bread and fish” for the body and also full sustenance for the soul That through the Son of God, every person can be made whole
“Father God, I thank Thee for all the ways the Person and work of the Lord Jesus Christ has been revealed in the Gospel of John. His humanity and deity, His eternal Sonship, the fact that He is the Son of God – all of these remind me today of the great privilege of “being found in Christ.” I give Thee my thanks in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen.”
John 21:18. ""Verily, verily, I say unto thee, When thou wast young, thou girdedst thyself, and walkedst whither thou wouldest: but when thou shalt be old, thou shalt stretch forth thy hands, and another shall gird thee, and carry thee whither thou wouldest not."
THY HANDS: the cross and our identification It was not only a spiritual crucifixion Peter had before him. The Lord Jesus revealed he would be crucified by men. The cross he would die on was physical and real - To Peter He chose this fact to reveal.
To those of us who live near the end of this day of grace - Can through the centuries past, the way of God with His own people trace; We realize most didn't know until it was about to happen - How death would take place, or how from earth we would be taken.
But all of God's children have one special thing in common All have been identified with Christ; the death of the cross is on them. Of course, not all were nailed to a cross or tree - But all know that Jesus died on the cross for me.
As far as God is concerned, when Christ died, so did I. He gave His life for me, therefore in Christ I died. The enemy cannot deny that my sin was to Christ imputed - So now I live as a new creation, not just an old one uprooted.
The seed that was the Lord Himself, fell into the ground and died. The fruit from that death is new life that always in Him abides. Because He now lives, we who believe live in Christ today, And the life He gave us, He will never take away.
But like Peter, I too must fall into the ground and die. The new life that comes from me is something I cannot deny. There is fruit that comes from each believer, and it springs From the Life-Source Himself what He chooses to bring.
There should be evidence that I have been crucified with Christ. Every true believer knows what it is like to be born twice. The old man is mortified, in Christ, death has taken place. The new man is alive in Christ by the work of God's grace.
"I believe Father, that there is evidence whenever one is saved by grace - of new life. May those who make confession of faith in Christ's death for them, live unto Thee from now on. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen."