Celebrating Christ's Resurrection and Our New Identity
Summary
In today's gathering, we celebrated the profound truth of Jesus' resurrection and its implications for our lives. We began by acknowledging the journey of Pastor Nick Shad, who is set to be ordained, marking a significant milestone in his spiritual journey. Our focus then shifted to the Gospel of John, specifically chapter 20, where we explored the resurrection of Jesus and its revelation of His kingship. This passage, though not explicitly calling Jesus a king, demonstrates His divine authority through His victory over death. The empty tomb and Jesus' appearance to Mary Magdalene and the disciples affirm His power over life and death, a true mark of kingship.
We delved into the narrative of Jesus appearing to His disciples, offering them peace and the Holy Spirit, signifying His role as a king who empowers and commissions His followers. The encounter with Thomas, who doubted until he saw Jesus' wounds, further underscores Jesus' divine kingship. Thomas' declaration of "My Lord and my God" is a profound acknowledgment of Jesus' sovereignty and divinity.
The resurrection is not just a historical event but a transformative reality that calls us to recognize Jesus as the King who rules through love and sacrifice, not force. This understanding leads us to the Great Commission, where Jesus commands His followers to make disciples of all nations, emphasizing His authority over heaven and earth.
Today, we also witnessed the baptism of eight individuals, a powerful symbol of their union with Christ's death and resurrection. Baptism signifies a new identity in Christ, the reception of the Holy Spirit, and adoption into God's family. It is a public declaration of faith and a commitment to live as ambassadors for Christ.
As we recited the Apostles' Creed, we affirmed our shared faith and celebrated the adoption of new members into the family of God. This joyous occasion reminds us of our mission to share the gospel and live out our faith with boldness and love.
Key Takeaways:
- Jesus' resurrection is a testament to His ultimate authority over life and death, revealing His divine kingship. This victory over death is not just a return to life but a demonstration of His power as the true King. [05:09]
- Jesus brings peace and empowerment to His followers, breathing the Holy Spirit upon them. This act signifies His role as a king who commissions and equips His people to continue His mission on earth. [08:57]
- The encounter with Thomas highlights the importance of faith and the acknowledgment of Jesus' divinity and kingship. Thomas' declaration of "My Lord and my God" is a profound recognition of Jesus' sovereignty. [12:12]
- Baptism symbolizes our union with Christ's death and resurrection, marking a new identity in Him. It signifies the reception of the Holy Spirit and our adoption into God's family, empowering us to live as His ambassadors. [17:18]
- The Great Commission underscores Jesus' authority and our mission to make disciples of all nations. As a disciple-making church, we are called to teach, baptize, and live out the gospel, transforming lives through the power of Christ. [21:06]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:30] - Celebration and Announcement
- [01:45] - Introduction to the Gospel of John
- [03:00] - The Empty Tomb
- [05:09] - Jesus Appears to the Disciples
- [08:57] - Peace and the Holy Spirit
- [10:30] - Doubting Thomas
- [12:12] - Thomas' Declaration
- [14:00] - The Great Commission
- [17:18] - Significance of Baptism
- [19:30] - The Apostles' Creed
- [21:06] - Baptism Ceremony
- [23:00] - Closing Prayer and Benediction
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- John 20:1-31
- Matthew 28:18-20 (The Great Commission)
- Romans 8:14-17 (Adoption as Sons and Daughters)
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#### Observation Questions
1. What was the initial reaction of Mary Magdalene and the disciples when they found the empty tomb? How did their understanding evolve throughout the passage? [05:09]
2. How did Jesus demonstrate His kingship when He appeared to His disciples after His resurrection? [08:57]
3. What was Thomas' response when he finally saw Jesus, and why is it significant? [12:12]
4. What are the key elements of the Great Commission as described in the sermon? [21:06]
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#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the resurrection of Jesus affirm His divine kingship, even though He is not explicitly called a king in the passage? [05:09]
2. In what ways does Jesus' act of breathing the Holy Spirit onto His disciples signify His authority and kingship? [08:57]
3. Why is Thomas' declaration of "My Lord and my God" considered a profound acknowledgment of Jesus' sovereignty? [12:12]
4. How does the act of baptism symbolize a believer's new identity in Christ and their adoption into God's family? [17:18]
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#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you doubted like Thomas. How did you come to a place of belief, and what role did Jesus' presence play in that journey? [12:12]
2. Jesus commissions His followers to make disciples of all nations. What practical steps can you take this week to engage in disciple-making within your community? [21:06]
3. Baptism is a public declaration of faith. If you have been baptized, how has this experience impacted your spiritual journey? If not, what steps can you take to explore this commitment? [17:18]
4. The sermon emphasized Jesus' kingship through love and sacrifice rather than force. How can you embody this kind of leadership in your personal and professional life? [05:09]
5. The Great Commission calls us to teach and baptize. Identify one person in your life who might be open to learning about Jesus. How can you initiate a conversation with them this week? [21:06]
6. Reflect on the significance of being adopted into God's family. How does this identity influence your daily decisions and interactions with others? [17:18]
7. Consider the peace Jesus offers to His followers. What is one area of your life where you need to invite His peace, and how can you actively seek it this week? [08:57]
Devotional
Day 1: Jesus' Resurrection Reveals His Divine Kingship
The resurrection of Jesus is a profound testament to His ultimate authority over life and death. In John 20, the empty tomb and Jesus' appearances to Mary Magdalene and the disciples serve as powerful affirmations of His victory over death, a true mark of His kingship. This victory is not merely a return to life but a demonstration of His divine power and authority. Jesus' resurrection is a pivotal event that calls us to recognize Him as the King who rules through love and sacrifice, not force. As believers, we are invited to live in the reality of His kingship, acknowledging His sovereignty in every aspect of our lives. [05:09]
"Then I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse! The one sitting on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he judges and makes war. His eyes are like a flame of fire, and on his head are many diadems, and he has a name written that no one knows but himself." (Revelation 19:11-12, ESV)
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you struggle to recognize Jesus' authority? How can you begin to submit those areas to His kingship today?
Day 2: Jesus Empowers His Followers with Peace and the Holy Spirit
After His resurrection, Jesus appeared to His disciples, offering them peace and breathing the Holy Spirit upon them. This act signifies His role as a king who commissions and equips His people to continue His mission on earth. The peace Jesus offers is not merely the absence of conflict but a profound sense of wholeness and well-being that comes from being in right relationship with God. The gift of the Holy Spirit empowers believers to live out their faith boldly and to carry out the Great Commission with confidence and love. [08:57]
"And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you." (John 14:16-17, ESV)
Reflection: How can you actively seek the peace of Christ in your daily life? What steps can you take to be more open to the guidance of the Holy Spirit?
Day 3: Faith and Acknowledgment of Jesus' Divinity
The encounter with Thomas, who doubted until he saw Jesus' wounds, highlights the importance of faith and the acknowledgment of Jesus' divinity and kingship. Thomas' declaration of "My Lord and my God" is a profound recognition of Jesus' sovereignty. This moment serves as a reminder that faith often requires us to trust in what we cannot see and to acknowledge Jesus' presence and authority in our lives. As believers, we are called to move beyond doubt and to embrace the truth of Jesus' divinity with confidence and conviction. [12:12]
"Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen." (Hebrews 11:1, ESV)
Reflection: What doubts do you currently face in your faith journey? How can you bring these doubts to Jesus and seek His truth and assurance?
Day 4: Baptism as a Symbol of New Identity in Christ
Baptism is a powerful symbol of our union with Christ's death and resurrection, marking a new identity in Him. It signifies the reception of the Holy Spirit and our adoption into God's family, empowering us to live as His ambassadors. Through baptism, believers publicly declare their faith and commitment to follow Jesus, embracing their new identity as children of God. This transformative act calls us to live out our faith with boldness and to share the love of Christ with others. [17:18]
"Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life." (Romans 6:3-4, ESV)
Reflection: How does your baptism shape your understanding of your identity in Christ? In what ways can you live out this new identity in your daily interactions?
Day 5: The Great Commission and Our Mission
The Great Commission underscores Jesus' authority and our mission to make disciples of all nations. As a disciple-making church, we are called to teach, baptize, and live out the gospel, transforming lives through the power of Christ. This mission is not just a task but a way of life that requires us to embody the love and teachings of Jesus in all that we do. As followers of Christ, we are invited to participate in His redemptive work, sharing the hope and truth of the gospel with those around us. [21:06]
"And Jesus came and said to them, 'All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.'" (Matthew 28:18-20, ESV)
Reflection: Who in your life can you share the gospel with this week? What practical steps can you take to live out the Great Commission in your community?
Quotes
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And what we've been doing is walking through the Gospel of John to look at how Jesus encounters people on his earthly ministry. And he encounters people in different ways. And we've seen things like how Jesus encounters the broken, how he encounters the discarded. We heard an incredible testimony when he encountered the worshiper. But this morning, I want to turn the tables. I want us to encounter my king, the king that I serve. [00:01:25] (35 seconds)
You see, this passage is a beautiful passage that John records for us. And although this passage doesn't explically call Jesus king, it gives us deep insight into how his kingship is revealed through his resurrection. I want to walk briefly this morning through this passage to show you how Jesus is king, even without the title being directly used. [00:07:28] (29 seconds)
When we look at the first 18 verses of this passage, we see the resurrection as vindication of his ultimate authority. You see, when Mary Magdalene and the disciples find the tomb empty, and then Mary enters in to see the risen Christ, it's a pivotal moment. Jesus has conquered death. In the ancient world, kings were not expected to have power, not over death. [00:07:56] (41 seconds)
Jesus' resurrection, however, is not just a return to life, but a victory over the ultimate enemy, death itself, proving he reigns over life and death. That is real, divine kingship. And then when we look at the next few verses, we can see that Jesus gives peace and power to his followers. [00:08:37] (28 seconds)
You see, a true king brings peace to his people. He empowers them. He commissions them. And Jesus does this. He says, as the Father sent me, even so I am sending you. It's showing his sovereign authority to send and empower his people. And when we look at the narrative of the doubting Thomas, even the doubting Thomas is proof that Jesus is king. [00:09:15] (33 seconds)
Beyond that, when Thomas used the title Lord, Lord in the biblical sense is often a royal title. Thomas is acknowledging Jesus not only as divine when he says God, but his sovereign kingship when he says Lord. Beyond that, Jesus accepts this worship. Maybe you need to hear that this morning. [00:10:21] (27 seconds)
You see, Jesus accepts the worship because kingship, being a king, isn't just about ruling. It's about actually being worthy of that calling. It's worthy of allegiance and worship. And Jesus accepts that. When we get through this passage, we begin to ask, what kind of king is Jesus? [00:10:55] (28 seconds)
He's not a political conqueror like the disciples first expected. He's not the ruling warrior king that everyone anticipated in Israel that the Messiah would be. Instead, Jesus is a king who has the power to conquer sin and death. He rules not by force, but through love and sacrifice. [00:11:16] (30 seconds)
What John teaches us in this passage is that Jesus is king, not by title, not by title, but by deeds. Jesus rises from the dead. That gives him authority over death. He commissions his followers. That's a kingly type of rule. He gives peace and the Holy Spirit. [00:14:21] (26 seconds)
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