Jesus Appears to the Disciples | John 20:19-23

Among the greatest evidence for Christ’s resurrection is the rapid change in His followers. The disciples went from a group of timid, fearful men to bold followers who died for Jesus. How do we explain this? The answer lies in the fact that they saw the risen Christ after His death. Over a period of 40 days between Christ’s resurrection and ascension, He appeared to as many as 500 eyewitnesses. “It is not enough for the skeptic, then, to simply dismiss the Christian teaching about the resurrection of Jesus by saying, ‘It just couldn’t have happened.’ He or she must face and answer all these historical questions: Why did Christianity emerge so rapidly, with such power? No other band of messianic followers in that era concluded their leader was raised from the dead—why did this group do so? No group of Jews ever worshipped a human being as God. What led them to do it?... How do you account for the hundreds of eyewitnesses to the resurrection who lived on for decades and publicly maintained their testimony, eventually giving their lives for their belief?” (Keller) When we experience the risen Christ, our fear becomes peaceful confidence and our timidity becomes boldness. We proclaim a risen Christ that overcomes our slavery to fear. “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control.” (2 Tim. 1:7) 

 Take-Home Message: The risen Christ conquers my slavery to fear.

 Christ’s Post-Resurrection Appearances in the Gospel of John:

• To Mary Magdalene at the tomb– Sunday morning (Jn. 20:11-18)
• To the 10 disciples without Thomas– Sunday evening (John 20:19-25)
• To the 11 disciples with Thomas– Eight days later on Monday (John 20:26-29)
• To 7 disciples by the Sea of Galilee– “After this” (John 21:1-25)

 The Savior’s evidence turns my fear into peace. (19-21a)

• Lee Strobel’s four questions
• Was Jesus really dead?
• Did believers invent this story?
• Was the tomb actually empty?
• Did people actually see Jesus alive?

 The risen Savior gives peace to the…

• The doubter.
• The insecure.
• The weary.

 The Spirit’s empowering turns my fear into calling. (21b-23)

 Message: Jesus Appears to the Disciples

 Scriptures: John 20:19-23

 Simple. Authentic. Jesus.

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