Sermons on John 20:19-21
The various sermons below interpret John 20:19-21 by focusing on the emotional and spiritual states of the disciples, who were engulfed in fear and grief following Jesus' crucifixion. Both sermons emphasize the significance of Jesus' post-resurrection appearance, particularly his ability to enter a locked room, symbolizing that no barrier, not even death, can keep him out. This act is seen as a metaphor for how Jesus can enter our lives and bring peace, even when we are locked in by fear. The peace Jesus offers is highlighted as unique, being a peace bought through his crucifixion and resurrection, allowing believers to have peace with God. The repeated phrase "Peace be with you" is noted for its importance in overcoming fear, underscoring the transformative power of encountering the risen Christ.
While both sermons share common themes, they diverge in their focus and theological implications. One sermon emphasizes the naturalness of doubt within faith, encouraging believers to address doubts within a community and to keep their focus on Jesus, rather than on those who fall away. It uses the example of the disciples not losing faith because of Judas to illustrate this point. In contrast, the other sermon highlights Jesus' supremacy over any form of bondage or fear, suggesting that his presence can unlock peace in our lives. It introduces the concept of diplomatic immunity and authority given to believers, freeing them from worldly constraints and empowering them to fulfill their mission.
John 20:19-21 Interpretation:
Embracing Doubt: Finding Faith Through Community (Boulder Mountain Church) interprets John 20:19-21 by emphasizing the emotional state of the disciples, who were filled with fear and grief. The sermon highlights the significance of Jesus' post-resurrection body and his ability to enter the locked room, symbolizing that nothing can keep Jesus out, not even death. The sermon also focuses on the peace Jesus offers, which is different because it is peace bought through the crucifixion and resurrection, allowing man to have peace with God. The analogy of Jesus showing up in the room and saying "Shalom" is used to illustrate how Jesus meets us in our time of need with kindness and gentleness.
Transformative Power of Encountering the Risen Christ (SHPHC South Henderson Pentecostal Holiness Church) interprets the passage by focusing on the concept of being locked in by fear, both physically and spiritually. The sermon uses the Greek meaning of "locked" to emphasize the double locking of the doors, symbolizing how fear can doubly bind us. Jesus' entry into the room without opening the door is seen as a metaphor for how he can enter our lives and bring peace, even when we are locked in by fear. The sermon also highlights the double imperative of Jesus saying "Peace be with you" twice, indicating the importance of overcoming the spirit of fear.
John 20:19-21 Theological Themes:
Embracing Doubt: Finding Faith Through Community (Boulder Mountain Church) presents the theme of doubt as a natural part of faith, emphasizing that it is okay to have doubts and that they should be dealt with in community. The sermon also highlights the importance of keeping one's eyes on Jesus, rather than on those who fall away from faith, using the example of the disciples not stopping their faith because of Judas.
Transformative Power of Encountering the Risen Christ (SHPHC South Henderson Pentecostal Holiness Church) introduces the theme of Jesus being greater than any bondage or fear, emphasizing that his presence can unlock peace in our lives. The sermon also discusses the concept of diplomatic immunity and authority given to believers, freeing them from the laws of the land and empowering them to fulfill their mission.
John 20:19-21 Historical and Contextual Insights:
Transformative Power of Encountering the Risen Christ (SHPHC South Henderson Pentecostal Holiness Church) provides historical context by explaining the cultural practice of double-locking doors in Biblical times, using a beam across the door for added security. This insight helps to understand the level of fear the disciples were experiencing and the significance of Jesus entering the room despite the locked doors.
John 20:19-21 Cross-References in the Bible:
Embracing Doubt: Finding Faith Through Community (Boulder Mountain Church) references Colossians 3, which encourages believers to keep their eyes focused on Jesus, and Deuteronomy 21, which discusses the curse of a man hanging on a tree, to explain the disciples' initial disbelief in Jesus as the Messiah.
Transformative Power of Encountering the Risen Christ (SHPHC South Henderson Pentecostal Holiness Church) references Nehemiah 4 to illustrate the concept of a midlife crisis and the importance of staying focused on one's identity in Christ. The sermon also references Mark 4, where Jesus calms the storm, to emphasize the peace he brings in the midst of life's challenges.
John 20:19-21 Christian References outside the Bible:
Embracing Doubt: Finding Faith Through Community (Boulder Mountain Church) references a German theologian who wrote about the crucifixion and its connection to Deuteronomy 21, explaining the cultural belief that a man hanging on a tree is cursed.
Transformative Power of Encountering the Risen Christ (SHPHC South Henderson Pentecostal Holiness Church) references Julian of Norwich and T.S. Eliot, who both emphasize the message of peace and assurance in God's love and mercy.
John 20:19-21 Illustrations from Secular Sources:
Embracing Doubt: Finding Faith Through Community (Boulder Mountain Church) uses the example of Peter Popoff, a televangelist exposed for fraudulent practices, to illustrate the theme of skepticism and the importance of focusing on Jesus rather than being misled by false religious figures.
Transformative Power of Encountering the Risen Christ (SHPHC South Henderson Pentecostal Holiness Church) uses the analogy of a basketball game and the importance of halftime adjustments to illustrate the concept of midlife crises and the need for spiritual renewal. The sermon also uses the example of cleaning out a closet or garage to emphasize the decision to let go of old habits and embrace new beginnings.