What Jesus Does With Fearful Disciples

 

 

 

 

19 On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, "Peace be with you!"

What were the Prayers of the disciples that night?

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How effective are your Prayers when you are afraid of mere men (“… for fear of the Jews…”)?

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The disciples were gathered together on a work night- “the first day” is Sunday, a regular workday at that time.  Devout Christians don’t gather for worship alone; they gather throughout the week.  How much of a priority is our Church during our work week?

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“…the disciples were together, with the doors locked…”  Disciples are not found hiding; this is not the natural position of a disciple.  A disciple is indwelt with the Holy Spirit.  We do not have a spirit of fear (Romans 8:15closeRomans 8:15 15 For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” (ESV) closeRomans 8:15closeRomans 8:15 15 For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” (ESV) 15 For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” (ESV) ; Acts 1:8closeActs 1:8 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” (ESV) closeActs 1:8closeActs 1:8 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” (ESV) 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” (ESV) ; Ephesians 6:10closeEphesians 6:10 The Whole Armor of God 10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. (ESV) closeEphesians 6:10closeEphesians 6:10 The Whole Armor of God 10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. (ESV) The Whole Armor of God 10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. (ESV) ).  When a disciple hides behind locked doors, they lock themselves out of the world and are no longer being a witness.  What fears want to force us behind locked doors?

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“…Jesus came and stood among them and said, "Peace be with you!"”

Jesus comes to us.  Do you understand that? ____________________________

 

Jesus is visible in our midst in communion; He is heard in His word, through Prayers, praise and with preaching.  Are your eyes open or do they remain closed and unable to see Him? ______________________

 

Jesus stood.  There is no keeping Jesus down.  He took a beating but He never turned from His course.  He became sin for us; but He perfectly fulfilled His requirement.  Jesus stands with those who are oppressed; Jesus stands with those who are bruised and whose fire has almost gone out; Jesus stands and calls out in a clear and loving voice, “Come to Me all who are weary and heavy burdened; and I  will give you rest.”  Jesus stands on your behalf, now before the Father; we have One who argues our case for us (Job 16:19closeJob 16:19 19 Even now, behold, my witness is in heaven,
and he who testifies for me is on high. (ESV) closeJob 16:19closeJob 16:19 19 Even now, behold, my witness is in heaven,
and he who testifies for me is on high. (ESV) 19 Even now, behold, my witness is in heaven,
and he who testifies for me is on high. (ESV) ).  Look up from your sorrow; do you see Jesus standing with you? _____________________

 

 

"Peace be with you!"”

Jesus first concern was not retribution to those who had killed Him.  Jesus did not come to condemn the world, but to save it.  How much will our witness improve when we imitate Christ in this? ___________

 

Jesus did not say, “You will have peace because you will no longer have difficulties”.  No, the weeds are allowed to grow up with the wheat, until the Judgement Day (Matthew 13:30closeMatthew 13:30 30 Let both grow together until the harvest, and at harvest time I will tell the reapers, Gather the weeds first and bind them in bundles to be burned, but gather the wheat into my barn.’” (ESV) closeMatthew 13:30closeMatthew 13:30 30 Let both grow together until the harvest, and at harvest time I will tell the reapers, Gather the weeds first and bind them in bundles to be burned, but gather the wheat into my barn.’” (ESV) 30 Let both grow together until the harvest, and at harvest time I will tell the reapers, Gather the weeds first and bind them in bundles to be burned, but gather the wheat into my barn.’” (ESV) ).  Until we get to Heaven, we will continue to live in a Creation that was corrupted by sin and the painful effects of sin are a reminder that Heaven is our home.  Am I guilty of criticizing God for the pain I feel from the sins of others? ________

 

Martin Luther translated Psalm 37:37closePsalm 37:37 37 Mark the blameless and behold the upright,
for there is a future for the man of peace. (ESV) closePsalm 37:37closePsalm 37:37 37 Mark the blameless and behold the upright,
for there is a future for the man of peace. (ESV) 37 Mark the blameless and behold the upright,
for there is a future for the man of peace. (ESV) in this way, “Preserve your piety, and behold what is upright.  Then at last such a man will have peace.”  Here are his thoughts regarding this verse, “Let the wicked be wicked, and you will see that eventually you will have peace and get along well.”  The old Spiritual song said it so well, “Let us keep our eyes stayed on Jesus.”  This is part of the reason why we are able to rejoice in all seasons.  Our hope is built on nothing less than Jesus’ blood and righteousness, Amen? ____________

Jim Buckman