First Baptist Church
Fairbanks, Alaska
805 Sixth Avenue
(907) 456-4923
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Fairbanks, Alaska 805 Sixth Avenue (907) 456-4923 |
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“The Sequel” John 21:19 Mark Howdeshell (March 30, 2008) John 21:19b “Peace be with you!” Introduction Rocky, Rambo, Police Academy……….what do all these movies have in common? In fact, one of these movies just release ANOTHER ……….sequel! Sequel literally means the next installment or the follow-on story. I feel as if I’m living in my sequel life following my military career sometimes. Last week I ended with the witnessing of Jesus’ resurrection by Mary Magdalene, the “other” Mary, the Apostles, and about 500 others. Today I want to continue to look at the significance of Jesus’ return to earth the second time and what it has done for us. Heart of the Matter The resurrected Jesus had some final missions to accomplish on the earth. His sacrificial act of love was completed. He would no longer endure pain or hardship. He knew that we would, though. His return back to earth helped to prepare us for that and enabled Him to “prove” that He was indeed raised from the dead….with a complete body. The Meat of the Message Luke 24:13-35 13 Now that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem. 14 They were talking with each other about everything that had happened. 15 As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked along with them; 16 but they were kept from recognizing him. 17 He asked them, "What are you discussing together as you walk along?" They stood still, their faces downcast. 18 One of them, named Cleopas, asked him, "Are you only a visitor to Jerusalem and do not know the things that have happened there in these days?" 19 "What things?" he asked. "About Jesus of Nazareth," they replied. "He was a prophet, powerful in word and deed before God and all the people. 20 The chief priests and our rulers handed him over to be sentenced to death, and they crucified him; 21 but we had hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel. And what is more, it is the third day since all this took place. 22 In addition, some of our women amazed us. They went to the tomb early this morning 23 but didn't find his body. They came and told us that they had seen a vision of angels, who said he was alive. 24 Then some of our companions went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but him they did not see." 25 He said to them, "How foolish you are, and how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! 26 Did not the Christ have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?" 27 And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself. 28 As they approached the village to which they were going, Jesus acted as if he were going farther. 29 But they urged him strongly, "Stay with us, for it is nearly evening; the day is almost over." So he went in to stay with them. 30 When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. 31 Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight. 32 They asked each other, "Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?" 33 They got up and returned at once to Jerusalem. There they found the Eleven and those with them, assembled together 34 and saying, "It is true! The Lord has risen and has appeared to Simon." 35 Then the two told what had happened on the way, and how Jesus was recognized by them when he broke the bread.
i. Had been cured of 7 demons—Luke 8:2 ii. Had subsequently supported Jesus’ ministry out of their own means iii. Loved Jesus so much that she was the most upset when she found the tomb empty 1. stood at the tomb and cried- John 20:10 2. would have done anything for Him iv. MY THEORY: She was seeking HIM first after his death…….that’s why she found HIM first!
i. “Two of them” 1. referred to 2 believers, not apostles 2. they went to the “Eleven” in Jerusalem (Luke 24:33) ii. Didn’t have a full grasp of what was going on………..(I don’t think I would have either!) 1. referred to Him as a Prophet………not the Messiah 2. didn’t understand the resurrection iii. Jesus was willing to explain and teach to them…………as long as they were willing to listen 1. He’ll do the same to us……….using different methods 2. we must be willing to listen and be amicable to change if necessary iv. Jesus accepted their invitation to come with them 1. He would have kept going if they didn’t invite Him 2. Because of the nature of who He is…He cannot refuse an invitation from us 3. He will not impose Himself upon us
John 20:19-20 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 !" 20 After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord.
i. Christ’s resurrected body was the glorified body 1. Not limited to the physical limitations of our present body a. Passed through locked doors b. Never passed through doors before His resurrection 2. Will not be subject to degradation or disease
i. Jesus paved the way ahead and showed us what we have to look forward to!
1 Cor 15:42-49 42 So will it be with the resurrection of the dead. The body that is sown is perishable, it is raised imperishable; 43 it is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory; it is sown in weakness, it is raised in power; 44 it is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body. If there is a natural body, there is also a spiritual body. 45 So it is written: "The first man Adam became a living being"; the last Adam, a life-giving spirit. 46 The spiritual did not come first, but the natural, and after that the spiritual. 47 The first man was of the dust of the earth, the second man from heaven. 48 As was the earthly man, so are those who are of the earth; and as is the man from heaven, so also are those who are of heaven. 49 And just as we have borne the likeness of the earthly man, so shall we bear the likeness of the man from heaven.
ii. At our death now, we rise up in the spiritual to Heaven to be with Christ, at the Second Coming, our spirits will be reunited with our resurrected and glorified bodies for eternity
i. Mark—went fishing to try to contemplate what exactly was happening 1. They were comfortable with fishing 2. Could speak candidly with each other ii. Jesus directed them to fish off the other side of the boat 1. Huge catch of fish (153 to be exact) a. Many theories about the number 153 b. I don’t have one…………! 2. Another “sequel” for Simon Peter…..see Luke 5 when they were first called to be Disciples! 3. If we’re willing to listen and obey Jesus’ directions……we will be blessed! 4. Jesus chose the time, manner, and method of the blessings. 5. I think He will do the same with FBC and in our personal lives!
i. Final act of reinstatement or reconfirmation of Peter to prepare Him for his ministry ii. Not for Jesus’ sake……….for Peter’s sake…………..and ours! iii. Peter had to learn 3 lessons to be ready to move forward and to be the rock he’s known to be for the Lord 1. Lesson of Humility a. Taught at the washing of his feet and his initial refusal b. Taught when he denied Christ 2. Lesson of Integrity a. Jesus’ ministry was one of love not violence b. Jesus rebuked him when he cut off the guard’s ear 3. Lesson of Focus or Single-Mindedness a. Taught after the resurrection in John 21 b. “Peter do you love me?” x 3 iv. Peter’s focus on Christ led him to become the foundation of the church and because of this….has directly affected our lives today. The Bottom Line The 40 days that Christ spent on earth in His resurrected body were profound in meaning and significance. If we did not have the testimonies of hundreds of ordinary people, His prophecies and promises would not have had an affect. Even appearing to just a few people would have left room for doubt. Jesus left no room for doubt and through His coming back to earth again in His glorified body, He gave us a glimpse of what we have been promised. And finally, Jesus’ reinstatement of Peter and focusing of the Apostles led to the formation of the church after Christ’s resurrection. Peter, who is known for his impulsive side, became the rock that established the church. We, too, have to be picked up and encouraged by Christ from time to time. We have to realize that He loves us…..for being us, and that He expects no less than our all. To do this, we have to remain focused on Him. Invitation How about you this morning? Have you denied Christ this week…..either by word or by action? If so, Christ wants to reinstate you, teach you the lessons, and focus your efforts. This morning, as we’ve learned about a glorious resurrection, and our forgiving, loving Lord, trust in Him as He asks you that all important, and personal question……………”Do you love me?” When you answer that question to Him this morning, listen for His response and do as He says. |
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