Sermons on John 20:19-23
The various sermons below interpret John 20:19-23 by focusing on the continuity of Jesus' mission through his disciples, the transformation from fear to peace, and the impartation of the Holy Spirit. A common thread among these interpretations is the emphasis on Jesus breathing on the disciples as a symbolic act of imparting new spiritual life, reminiscent of God breathing life into Adam. This act is seen as a divine empowerment for the disciples to continue Jesus' mission. The sermons also highlight the transformation from fear to peace and joy, underscoring the assurance and presence of the Holy Spirit as a source of comfort and strength. Additionally, the analogy of Jesus' sudden appearance is used to illustrate the miraculous nature of his resurrection and the peace it brings.
While the sermons share common themes, they also present unique nuances. One sermon draws a parallel between the act of Jesus breathing on the disciples and the vision of the valley of dry bones in Ezekiel, emphasizing a transformative moment of spiritual resurrection. Another sermon connects the peace brought by Jesus to the sacraments of baptism and communion, highlighting the assurance of his resurrection. A different sermon focuses on the theme of pardon for sins and the call to love neighbors as a response to Jesus' resurrection. Meanwhile, another interpretation emphasizes the necessity of the Holy Spirit for fulfilling the Great Commission, drawing a parallel to the creation narrative.
John 20:19-23 Interpretation:
Embracing the Gifts of the Risen Christ (Calgary Community Church) interprets John 20:19-23 by emphasizing the continuity of Jesus' mission through his disciples. The sermon highlights the parallel between Jesus being sent by the Father and the disciples being sent by Jesus, suggesting that their purpose is deeply rooted in the nature of God. The sermon also explores the act of Jesus breathing on the disciples as reminiscent of God breathing life into Adam, indicating a new spiritual life and empowerment through the Holy Spirit.
From Fear to Peace: Embracing Christ's Assurance (St. Matthew Lutheran Church and School Westland) interprets the passage by focusing on the transformation from fear to peace that Jesus brings to the disciples. The sermon uses the Greek word "Numa" to describe the breath of Jesus as a representation of the Holy Spirit, emphasizing the peace and assurance that comes with the Holy Spirit's presence.
Transformative Power of the Resurrection: A New Reality (Sherwood Community Friends Church) interprets the passage by highlighting the transformation of the disciples from fear to joy and peace. The sermon uses the analogy of Jesus "beaming in" like in Star Trek to illustrate the sudden and miraculous appearance of Jesus, bringing peace and reassurance to the disciples.
Reviving the Spirit: Embracing New Life in Christ (New Testament Christian Church Irving, TX) interprets John 20:19-23 by drawing a parallel between Jesus breathing the Holy Spirit onto the disciples and the vision of the valley of dry bones in Ezekiel 37. The sermon suggests that just as God breathed life into the dry bones, Jesus breathed new spiritual life into the disciples, signifying a transformative moment where they were empowered to live anew. This interpretation emphasizes the act of breathing as a divine impartation of life and power, linking it to the creation narrative in Genesis where God breathes life into Adam.
John 20:19-23 Theological Themes:
Embracing the Gifts of the Risen Christ (Calgary Community Church) presents the theme of the Holy Spirit's role in empowering believers for mission, drawing a parallel between the creation of Adam and the new spiritual life given to the disciples. The sermon emphasizes the necessity of the Holy Spirit for fulfilling the Great Commission.
From Fear to Peace: Embracing Christ's Assurance (St. Matthew Lutheran Church and School Westland) introduces the theme of peace as a transformative gift from Jesus, rooted in the assurance of his resurrection and the presence of the Holy Spirit. The sermon connects this peace to the sacrament of baptism and communion.
Transformative Power of the Resurrection: A New Reality (Sherwood Community Friends Church) explores the theme of peace as a result of Jesus' resurrection, emphasizing the transformation from fear to joy and the peace that surpasses understanding. The sermon also highlights the theme of pardon for sins and the call to pour out love to neighbors as a response to Jesus' resurrection.
Reviving the Spirit: Embracing New Life in Christ (New Testament Christian Church Irving, TX) presents the theme of spiritual resurrection and empowerment. The sermon highlights the idea that Jesus' act of breathing the Holy Spirit onto the disciples is akin to a spiritual resurrection, bringing them from a state of fear and hiding to one of empowerment and mission. This theme is distinct in its focus on the transformative power of the Holy Spirit as a catalyst for change and new life.
John 20:19-23 Historical and Contextual Insights:
From Fear to Peace: Embracing Christ's Assurance (St. Matthew Lutheran Church and School Westland) provides historical context by discussing a decree from Caesar regarding the sanctity of graves and the severe punishment for tomb robbery, which would have contributed to the disciples' fear. The sermon also explains Jewish mourning practices and the significance of the Kidron Valley as a burial site.
John 20:19-23 Cross-References in the Bible:
Embracing the Gifts of the Risen Christ (Calgary Community Church) references John 3:16 to illustrate God's sending of Jesus, Philippians 2:8 to highlight Jesus' obedience, John 15:27 to emphasize the disciples' role in testifying, John 14:12 to encourage believers to do greater works, and Romans 8:29 to discuss the process of becoming like Christ. These references support the sermon’s interpretation of the disciples' mission and the role of the Holy Spirit.
Transformative Power of the Resurrection: A New Reality (Sherwood Community Friends Church) references Luke 24 to describe Jesus' appearance to the disciples on the road to Emmaus and his explanation of the scriptures. The sermon also references Isaiah 53 to explain the necessity of Jesus' suffering and the forgiveness of sins, and Matthew 28 to emphasize the Great Commission and the call to make disciples.
Reviving the Spirit: Embracing New Life in Christ (New Testament Christian Church Irving, TX) references Ezekiel 37, where God commands the prophet to prophesy to the dry bones, bringing them to life. This passage is used to illustrate the power of God's breath to bring life and transformation, paralleling Jesus' act of breathing the Holy Spirit onto the disciples. The sermon also references Genesis, where God breathes life into Adam, to emphasize the life-giving power of God's breath.
John 20:19-23 Christian References outside the Bible:
Transformative Power of the Resurrection: A New Reality (Sherwood Community Friends Church) references Dallas Willard's paraphrase of the Great Commission, emphasizing the call to make disciples and immerse them in the Trinitarian reality. This reference supports the sermon’s emphasis on the call to pour out love to neighbors and live out Jesus' teachings.
John 20:19-23 Illustrations from Secular Sources:
From Fear to Peace: Embracing Christ's Assurance (St. Matthew Lutheran Church and School Westland) uses the analogy of the amygdala in the brain to explain how fear can be generated even without real threats, illustrating the disciples' fear and the peace that Jesus brings. The sermon also uses a painting of Thomas inspecting Jesus' wounds to illustrate the disciples' need for reassurance and the reality of Jesus' resurrection.
Transformative Power of the Resurrection: A New Reality (Sherwood Community Friends Church) uses the analogy of Jesus "beaming in" like in Star Trek to describe his sudden appearance to the disciples, emphasizing the miraculous nature of his resurrection and the peace he brings.