Jesus’ word of peace to His disciples after His crucifixion and resurrection speaks about more than a peaceful easy feeling. What is it that Jesus means by peace and why must we see this to live the full life? (Luke 24:36-43)
Sermon Outline
“While they were still talking about this, Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, ‘Peace be with you.” (Luke 24:36)
Jesus, the Peace Bringer (Luke 24:36-43, John 20:19)
- Jesus appears to silence the disciples’ doubt.
- Jesus’ sudden appearance startled the disciples.
- Jesus’ resurrected body still had the wounds to help them believe. (Revelation 5 talks about the lamb with visible wounds.)
- The disciples responded with joy and disbelief.
Jesus the Peace Maker (Ephesians 2:11-14, Romans 5:1, Colossians 1:19-20)
- Jesus made peace with God and humans a reality.
- Jesus made peace between humans a reality.
Jesus, the Author of Peace
- Prophecies foretold it. (Isaiah 9:6-7, Luke 1:79, Luke 2:14)
- Jesus’ life and words validate it. (John 14:27, John 16:33, Luke 8:23-25)
Jesus, our Eternal Peace (Revelation 21:3-6, Isaiah 55:12-13)
- Jesus will give us eternal peace: no violence, no war, God with us, no pain, no brokenness, all will be whole.
Make it Real Because Jesus is our Peace….
- He deserves our worship for reconciling us to God. (Revelation 5:9)
- Do not be anxious. Take it to God. Thank Him. (Philippians 4:6-7)
- Let the peace of God rule in your hearts. (Colossians 3:15)
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
- What does the word “peace” mean to you?
- This week, we continue our sermon series, Seeing Jesus for the First Time. The topic is “Seeing Jesus as Peace.” Whether alone or with others, begin your study in prayer, asking God to speak to you, and then read Luke 24:36-43 aloud.
- Read Luke 24:36. Why do you think Jesus said, “Peace be with you”?
- Why were the disciples behind closed doors? Read John 20:19.
- Luke notes that the disciples were startled when Jesus stood among them. Why did they not see Jesus for who He is in that moment? (Luke 24:38)
- Matthew 14:25-27 gives an earlier account of the disciples thinking that Jesus was a ghost. Why did they fail to see Jesus for who He is? Who is He (Jesus)?
- Why do you think it was important for Jesus to have visible signs of wounds on His hands and feet? (Luke 24:39).
- Jesus is our peace. Read Ephesians 2:11-14. How is Jesus our peace from this passage?
- Read Romans 5:1. How do we have peace with God?
- Thank Jesus for being our peace. Pray this benediction from 2 Thessalonians 3:16 over one another if you are in a group, or over yourself if you are alone.
DIG DEEPER
- Memorize Luke 24:36
- Explore this resource from The Bible Project : “Shalom – Peace”