If you haven’t noticed, our I Speak Jesus series is now leading us into the passages immediately after Jesus’ resurrection—and I’m so intrigued…

The wonder of Jesus, alive, seems to shock most deeply those who followed Him.

And in a way, it’s funny and so similar to how the disciples bumbled through the gospels, scarcely comprehending the Leader that they loved.

And now that Jesus appears to them, alive, it’s almost traumatizing for them. 

 

Watch Sunday’s Sermon Receiving the Holy Spirit in our I Speak Jesus series.

 

They’re behind locked doors, for fear of the Jewish leaders crucifying them next. They had abandoned Jesus. And gathered around the strange news from Mary, “I have seen the Lord.”

Then Jesus shows up. Behind their locked doors. 

The disciples don’t even greet Jesus when he first shows up (Jn 20:19). Their fear has hijacked any scraps of faith.

Jesus must unveil the scars of His crucifixion for any of them to really realize who He is (Jn 20:20)

And then their eyes are opened, their shock falls away, their fears shift, and they see Jesus in the middle of their deep loss.

And this is so powerful for us, because we need Jesus in our fears and our loss.

We need him to reveal Himself behind our locked doors.

Sometimes we get so used to the ideas of Easter, the resurrection story, the images of the cross…that we forget they arrive in a real person with real power.

We protect ourselves, even as Christians, living as if we’re still waiting for a resurrection, or worse, mourning a crucifixion…when Jesus is here, in the rooms of our hearts, moving behind the locks, and unveiling His own scars. 

Yes, through the Holy Spirit, He is ready to meet with you. 

Will take a moment to discern Him there, in your fear or loss?

Will you ask Him where He is in your life today?

Let’s anticipate more of His miracle-heart as we study His encounter with the disciples on the Emmaus road and His powerful words to the 12 as He calls them to follow Him deeper.

See you Sunday!

Pastor Dave

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Jesus Reveals Himself

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In Your Weeping, Listen For His Voice