“Many Happy Returns,” John 20:19-31

Introduction:  How good are you at waiting?  How do you fill your time in anticipation of that next event?  Do your days have purpose as you wait for Jesus’ return or your death?

I.        That Night, of the Resurrection

A.     (v19) We begin with the disciples hunkered down behind locked doors “for fear of the Jews.”

1.      Of what are we afraid?  How fear grows and immobilizes.

2.      “Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, ‘Peace be with you.’”

B.     (v20) “He showed them his hands and his side.”

1.      Marks of defeat/evidence of victory.

2.      Swoon theory holes and the possibility of Nico’s healing herbs.

3.      (v21) Jesus commissions the boys: “As the Father has sent me, so I am sending you.”

C.     (v22) “He breathed on them [Genesis 2:7], and said to them, ‘Receive the Holy spirit.’”

1.      “If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven; if you withhold forgiveness, it is withheld.”

2.      Most Protestants deny this commission; most Catholics limit it.

3.      The Church is sent to proclaim and teach God’s word, as prophets and healers.

II.       One Week Later

A.     (v25) Thomas’ problem— “Unless I see…I will never believe.”

1.      What proof do we demand before we believe?  Before we act?

2.      How do we spend the time while we await proof?  Living as a believer or unbeliever?

B.     (v26) “Eight days later, his disciples were inside again, and Thomas was with them.”

1.      The disciples had seen Jesus.  Why were they still inside behind locked doors?

2.      Jesus repeats his greeting of “Peace be with you.”  Does he note their expressions?

3.      Gospel culminates with Thomas’ profession: (v28) “My Lord and my God.”

C.     (v29) “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”

1.      (v31) John puts an exclamation point by identifying “Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God”

2.      In case you missed a chapter: “By believing you may have life in his name.”

Conclusion:   The disciples’ shift from following Jesus to believing in Jesus to serving Jesus.

“You mean it’s our turn now?  What do we do?”