“A Post Resurrection Visit by Jesus”

By:  Pastor Milton Coats

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John 20:19 and 20 declares “The same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, ‘Peace be unto you.’ And when He had so said, He showed unto them His hands and His side.  Then were the disciples glad, when they saw the Lord.”

The first day of the week, the eve of Jesus’ resurrection, His close followers were assembled in secret for fear of the Jews.  These are fearful days we are living in.  Is there a sense of fear in your heart in these troubled times?  Jesus strengthened the hearts of his followers by doing five things.  During this resurrection season, may this also be a source of strength and encouragement to you.

First and foremost, Jesus stood in the midst.  How comforting must His presence have been!

Psalm 16:11a says “Thou wilt show me the path of life: in thy presence is fullness of joy.”

Secondly, He said “Peace be unto you.”  The Hebrew word for peace is “Shalom.”  This is a precious word to the Jewish people.  It means wholeness, completeness, health, security and prosperity.  In these turbulent times, Jesus is your peace.

The third thing Jesus did was show them His person.  He showed them His hands and side that they might believe that He was the Christ who hung on the cross three days earlier.  This, the Bible says, made them glad!

The fourth thing He did, in verse 21, was remind them of purpose.  He told them that as the Father had sent Him; He was sending them.  Their purpose was not locked up behind closed doors in fear, but out reaching a lost and dying world.  This is still the mandate of the church.

The final thing Jesus did in verse 22 was breathe on them and said “receive the Holy Ghost.” The Holy Ghost is power!  The Bible declares that we shall receive power after the Holy Ghost has come upon us.  This great power is given to us so that we can accomplish the tremendous Kingdom assignment that is ours.

To God be the glory!  Happy Resurrection Sunday!