John Chapter 20 - Christ, The Conqueror of Death
Introduction: The gospel of John is a gospel of evidences or testimonies.
1. We must be convinced of His Deity -- otherwise, nothing will profit us.
2. Resurrection testimonies of His Deity 3. Analysis of the chapter: a. 1-10, Mary came to the grave on the first day of the week, finding the stone taken away, ran and found Peter and the "other disciple," who investigated! b. 11-18, He appears to Mary. c.19-23, That evening, He appears to the disciples
assembled, showing hands and side, making them
GLAD, commissioning to "remit"/"retain." d.24-29,
Thomas convinced after his examination -- and
speaking to him regarding his faith and others!
e. Proposition of composition vs. 30-31
Condition of Disciples Before
Resurrection!
A. They appeared to be abjectly weak and pitifully
hopeless, absolutely doomed to scorn and
Extinction!
1. Had given up all, now leader killed and they
left to scatter!
2. Although taught, the promise hardly realized!
3. They denied Him in His trial, etc.
B. Sadness and disappointment filled their hearts
that morning
Different Appearances Convinced
Them!
A. He "shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them..." (Acts 1:3)
1. Period of 40 days
2. Appeared many times, I Cor. 15:1-8
a. Restructuring The Appearances from the record: 1) Mary, Mk. 16:9; Jn. 20:14; 2) Two women, Mt. 28:9-10; 3) Two Disciples, Mk. 16:12-13; Lk. 24:13-32; 4) Simon, Lk. 24:34; I Cor. 15:5; 5) Ten Apostles, Lk. 24:35-43; Jn. 20:26-29; 7) Seven disciples, Jn. 21:1-24; 8) Eleven apostles and five hundred on mountain, Mt. 28:16-20; I Cor. 15:6; 9) James, The Lord's brother, I Cor. 15:7; 10) All the Apostles, at ascension, Mk; 16:19, 20; Lk. 24:44-53; Acts 1:3-11
b. After His ascension, too:1) Stephen, Acts 7:54-60; 2)Saul, Paul, I Cor. 15:8; Acts 26:11-19; 3) John, Rev. 1:9-20
3. Infallible -- not all deceived; or motivated to
fabricate the story.
B.To me, there is no way to account for the actions
of the people and make it more reasonable than
the simple pro- position -- Jesus, being the Son of
God, raised and ascended to heaven, sending the
Holy Spirit.
Resurrection Is An Essential Part
Of Christianity!
A. Consequences of "no resurrection." I Cor. 15:12-20: 1. Christ not risen! 2. Preaching in vain; 3. Faith is in vain; 4. Apostles are false witnesses; 5. Men still in sins; 6. Dead are perished; 7. Christian most miserable
B. Yet, Professed Christians deny!
Christ has
Conquered Death!
A. Those in Him, will be resurrected to eternal life with Him and the Father! 1. Rev. 14:13
2. Message of "comfort" I Thess.4:18
B. The Greatest mission in the universe!
1. Preach the message
2. Live the life
3. Manifest the faith
4. Be looking to Jesus the author and finisher of our faith, Heb. 12:1-2; I Thess. 1:10
Conclusion: Are you a child of the King?
Questions:
1. When did Mary come to the grave, she find?
2. What disciples did Mary tell her experience?
3. What question did the "angels" ask Mary?
4. What did Jesus say to Mary? (vs. 16-17)
5. What happened that "evening" (vs. 18-23)?
6. What is the message of (v. 23)?
7. Thomas’s reaction to hearing Jesus was raised?
8. What happened "after eight days" (vs. 26-29)
9. What are the "signs" written (vs. 30-31)