West Park Baptist Church

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Following the Resurrected King – Pt 3

Famous last words.

Dozens of articles have been written about the humorous, ironic and often sad last words of those the world counts famous.

What if your last recorded words were, “Unless I see in his hands the mark of the nails, and place my hand into his side, I will never believe.” That’s what is written in John 20:25 from the lips of Thomas the disciple of Jesus. The story of John could have ended on those words, but thankfully the resurrected King Jesus appeared to Thomas and changed both his words and his heart.

Let’s read about it today in John 20:24–29

[24] Now Thomas, one of the twelve, called the Twin, was not with them when Jesus came. [25] So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord.” But he said to them, “Unless I see in his hands the mark of the nails, and place my finger into the mark of the nails, and place my hand into his side, I will never believe.”

[26] Eight days later, his disciples were inside again, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” [27] Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side. Do not disbelieve, but believe.” [28] Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!” [29] Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” (ESV)

What can we learn from this passage?

It’s now one week after the resurrection. During the week Jesus has appeared to many of His disciples, proving that He is alive. But Thomas was not with the other 10 disciples when Jesus had appeared to them. Why not?

Some have named him “Doubting Thomas.” I get that, for his recorded words “I will never believe” really are the gloom and skepticism of doubt. However, I think there is more than just doubt troubling Thomas.

He was the one in John 11:16 who said about Jesus to his fellow disciples, “Let us also go, that we may die with him.” Thomas was ready to follow Jesus to death. When Jesus talked in the upper room about leaving His disciples, Thomas replied to Him, “Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?” (John 14:5). I hear in these words perhaps gloom and pessimism, but I also hear resolve, loyalty and love for Jesus. Thomas was a man prone to pessimism and doubt, but he was also a man prone to loyalty and deep love.

Have you ever thought that people can be very complex? It’s true! Because Thomas exhibits true faith and love for Jesus, I don’t think it’s fair to keep labeling him a “doubter.” Nevertheless he said some very strong words: “I will never believe.” It’s at this point where, if I were one of the other disciples talking to him at that time, I would seriously be fearful for Thomas. How can he say that? What will the Lord say and do?

We read what the Lord did. He appeared to the disciples again the next Sunday, again saying “Peace be with you!” and immediately went to Thomas. Jesus urged Thomas to touch his hands, and to reach out to the place in His side where the spear had pierced Him. He commanded Thomas, “Do not disbelieve, but believe” (20:27).

And you know what the last recorded words of Thomas in the Bible really are? “My Lord and my God.”  One of the most famous skeptics in the New Testament is also one of the first to rightly worship Jesus as God.

The Lord Jesus is still working in us complex people. He knows at times we’ll feel depressed, see the glass half-empty, wonder if the promises about Jesus are really true in this complex and messed-up world. To us Jesus says, “Blessed are those who have not seen yet believed” (John 20:29).

Application: 

  • Do you identity with Thomas as I’ve represented him? What are the times when you feel gloomy, sad or see the worst of life?
  • One of the tendencies Thomas had was pulling away from the community of God’s people during a time of deep sadness and grief. I understand personally the tendency to isolate and get away from people as a more introverted person, but I’ve learned the important life lesson that I need the body of Christ to help me in times of grief. As hard as it is for us to involve others sometimes, we need to be open to their love and care during hard times. Especially during times like these when we’re very isolated. We may just miss a blessing.
  • Best of all is that assurance of Jesus, that we today are blessed when we worship Him even though we don’t yet see Him. He knows the challenges we face to believe, but He gives us faith and encourages us to keep believing on His word.

Prayer: 

Lord Jesus we confess we are prone to doubt, to pessimism and skepticism. We think often of the negative things happening around us and to us. We often read more news headlines than we spend time in your Word. Forgive us. Please cleanse us and help us to believe; to hold fast to Your words. Grant us the blessing of belief in You as our Lord and God. Amen.

Worship:

Be Thou My Vision

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Following the Resurrected King – Pt 2

“Did not our hearts burn within us… while he opened to us the Scriptures?” (Luke 24:32).

I love that line in the Bible! Can you imagine walking several miles with Jesus, listening to Him teach the Old Testament… about Himself?!

Today we’ll read the story of how two disciples encountered the resurrected King on the road from Jerusalem to Emmaus.

For the sake of keeping this article brief, I won’t post all the scripture text here today. But please read first in your Bible the story in Luke 24:13-35.

Here’s the central part that I’ll focus on today:

Luke 24:25–27

[25] And he said to them, “O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! [26] Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory?” [27] And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself. (ESV)

What can we learn from this passage?

It seems clear enough that the followers of Jesus did not get the message that Jesus must suffer and die then be raised on the third day. Jesus, before He died, had clarified to the disciples that His primary mission included suffering and death. Still, they did not seem able to comprehend that as a necessary step for the Messiah, especially with their current view of the Scriptures.

When Jesus appears to Cleopas and the other unnamed disciple, He listens to them as they puzzle over the reports of Christ’s resurrection, but He chides them for not understanding how these things fit with the revelation of the Christ in the Old Testament. Jesus says that the message of Moses and all the Prophets was all about Him!

Sometimes we may be guilty of avoiding the Old Testament for how strange the stories are or for how many details are constantly repeated in sections of the Law in Exodus through Deuteronomy. We tend to not grasp the link between those times and teachings with the Lord Jesus that we see revealed in the New Testament. Yet Jesus Christ teaches that He Himself is the key to unlocking all the richness and glory hidden in the Old Testament. Pastor Michael Barrett in his book Beginning at Moses, teaches,

The Pentateuch, the first five books with all their religious rituals, prepares the way for the perfect Priest to stand between God and people as the perfect sacrifice for sin. The Historical Books draw attention to the perfect King, who would come to rule His people and subdue His enemies. The Prophets anticipate the perfect Prophet, who represents and reveals the only true and living God to humankind. The Poetical Books put it all together with the Christ as the great theme for worship and praise. What an authoritative clue for interpretation this is!1

Application:

  • Christ-centered Bible teaching and preaching is a rich blessing, and we can be thankful for pastors, Bible study leaders and children’s class leaders who teach Jesus Christ as He is revealed in all of the Bible. I’m particularly grateful for the Gospel Project that my kids participate in through our church. They recently learned about prophecy in Daniel, but the link to Jesus Christ was there in every lesson!
  • Teachers, we who know the Bible through years of study: do “our hearts burn within us” as we see Jesus in each text we prepare to teach? Do we worship Him through our times of study? Or have we settled into a rhythm of joyless preparation in hopes of simply fulfilling a duty or perhaps getting the approval of others? I recommend this resource for you to aid you in your study and worship of Christ.
  • Everyone, do you see that it was necessary for Jesus to suffer, die and rise from the dead for you and your sins? The work Jesus accomplished was God’s plan all along to bring you back into His family.

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, our hearts burn within us whenever we hear You preached and taught in the Bible. Thank You for helping us know You. We praise You for suffering and dying on our behalf. We glorify You that You rose from the dead, leaving in that grave all our sin forever. Thank You that You stayed true and faithful to Your mission, even to the point of death. Amen.

Worship:

‘Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus

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  1. Michael Barrett, Beginning at Moses: A Guide to Finding Christ in the Old Testament (Ambassador International, 2nd Printing 2001), 14.

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Following the Resurrected King (Introduction)

The resurrection of the Lord Jesus is not just a one day event. Praise God for that!

Have you ever traced the activity of Jesus Christ during the 40 days prior to His ascension to Heaven?

I’ve not but have been challenged to as a follow up to my blog entries last week during Holy Week. The more I dig into the appearance passages, the more I see timeless encouragement for our current circumstances.

Sometimes these passages may seem like puzzle pieces that don’t quite fit together or a timeline that’s just too much trouble to fit into a semblance of order. But that really isn’t the case. As I’ve looked into the passages I can see the timeline, and I’ve gotten helpful backup from other sources. In this blog post I’ll list the order of those appearances and talk briefly about what we can learn from them in general. In subsequent articles I’ll resume a Bible study format to help each of us continue to follow the Lord Jesus.

Here’s the timeline that I offer for your consideration:1

  • Resurrection Sunday
    • Mary Magdalene (John 20:11-18)
    • The other Mary, Salome, Joanna and at least one other woman (Matt. 28:1; Mark 16:1; Luke 24:10)
    • Simon Peter (Luke 24:34; 1 Cor. 15:5)
    • Clopas and companion on the road to Emmaus (Luke 24:13-35)
    • The eleven disciples minus Thomas (Luke 24:36-43; John 20:19-25)
  • Eight+ Days after Resurrection
    • The eleven disciples including Thomas (John 19:26-29)
  • Over the Next Few Weeks
    • Seven disciples at the Sea of Tiberias (John 21:1-23)
    • Disciples and a large gathering at a mountain in Galilee (Matt. 28:16-17; 1 Cor. 15:6)
    • James (1 Cor. 15:7)
  • 40th Day
    • Disciples (possibly in Jerusalem before Jesus led them to the Mount of Olives, gave the Great Commission and ascended to Heaven – Luke 24:49-53; Acts 1:3-11)

Today, read what the Apostle Paul says about these appearances:

1 Corinthians 15:3–8

[3] For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, [4] that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures, [5] and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. [6] Then he appeared to more than five hundred brothers at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have fallen asleep. [7] Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles. [8] Last of all, as to one untimely born, he appeared also to me. (ESV)

What relevance do these things have for us?

First, Paul says these resurrection appearances are connected back to the Gospel message of our Lord Jesus. Jesus remained on earth for 40 days in order to encourage and empower His discouraged disciples. Those events confirmed the good news of what Jesus accomplished on the cross. Death truly was defeated, the eternal life promised in the gospel was real, and hundreds of people could verify that Jesus is alive!

Second, think about the nature of these appearances. The disciples experienced a different kind of connection to Jesus than they had before His crucifixion. The disciples for one didn’t know when Jesus would appear, but when He did show up it turned their despair into glorious light and joy. Isn’t that a bit like life now? These resurrection appearances help us to see that even though it seems like we are alone down here on planet earth, we really are not. The Lord Jesus is always aware of what we face, and He comes to us in our need. The way He comes today is not the same as He did in those 40 days, but I can see how Jesus Christ, the same yesterday, today and forever still ministers to us in quarantine like He did then. When we feel like we’re at the end of our resources, we find that Jesus Christ comes again with His grace.

My parting encouragement today: Read these accounts. Seek the Lord Jesus and ask Him to reveal more of Himself to you. Praise Him that He is alive and at work in our days of quarantine, boredom and fears. Jesus is alive!

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1) For a helpful article with an actual timeline of these events, see this article from Answers in Genesis.

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Following Jesus Through Holy Week – Saturday

“How can we follow Jesus when He lies dead in a tomb?” must have gone through the minds of the disciples after Good Friday.

Recorded events are few and far between of that Saturday, the Sabbath in between Christ’s death and resurrection. What is recorded reveals things about the people still living and challenges us today.

Here is the record of what happened on Saturday:

  • A group of women disciples prepare spices and ointments for the body of Jesus (Luke 23:54-56)
  • The Chief Priests and Pharisees plot to guard the tomb of Jesus (Matt. 27:62-66)

Luke 23:54–56

[54] It was the day of Preparation, and the Sabbath was beginning. [55] The women who had come with him from Galilee followed and saw the tomb and how his body was laid. [56] Then they returned and prepared spices and ointments.

On the Sabbath they rested according to the commandment. (ESV)

Matthew 27:62–66

[62] The next day, that is, after the day of Preparation, the chief priests and the Pharisees gathered before Pilate [63] and said, “Sir, we remember how that impostor said, while he was still alive, ‘After three days I will rise.’ [64] Therefore order the tomb to be made secure until the third day, lest his disciples go and steal him away and tell the people, ‘He has risen from the dead,’ and the last fraud will be worse than the first.” [65] Pilate said to them, “You have a guard of soldiers. Go, make it as secure as you can.” [66] So they went and made the tomb secure by sealing the stone and setting a guard. (ESV)

What can we learn from these texts?

So many people in Jerusalem were affected by the death of Jesus. As Saturday dawned they were still shaken by all that He had endured. Basically, two groups of people emerge on that Saturday, just like two groups still emerge today:

The Enemies of Christ – Matthew alone records a secret meeting that occurred between the religious Pharisees and Pilate, the Roman ruler who tried Jesus as guiltless yet sent Him to the cross. The Pharisees feared not that Jesus would rise from the dead but that His disciples would steal His body from the tomb it had been placed in and so fool everyone that Jesus was alive. In their view, Jesus was only a fraud, and they would not permit more fraud in the wake of His death. Pilate told them to take their own Temple guards and set them up at the tomb. They sealed the stone around Jesus’s tomb, established guards to watch and then wiped their hands of the whole affair.

The Followers of Christ – Just as Jesus had predicted, the Shepherd was struck down dead and the sheep scattered. Yet two scenes reveal disciples who had remained in the background due to various reasons yet now seem emboldened with courage and faith.

  • Joseph of Arimathea was said to be a follower of Jesus, but a “secret” disciple for fear of what the Pharisees would think (John 19:38). His life up to this point has been ruled by a mixture of fear of man and faith in Jesus. He’s been a slave to allure of image and the approval of people. Nicodemus, who accompanied Joseph, is no better. This is perhaps why he had waited until the cloak of night to approach Jesus initially (John 3). Yet in a surprising move, Joseph and Nicodemus go into the court of Pilate to request the body of Jesus, remove the body from the cross, cover and fill the body with 75 pounds of ointment then place the body into a new tomb in a beautiful garden.
  • The women, identified as Mary Magdalene and Mary, the mother of James and Joses, followed Joseph and Nicodemus to see where the tomb was located, then went home to prepare more ointment and burial spices for the body. The gospel records them as resting on the Sabbath yet ready to go to the tomb early Sunday morning to anoint the body of Jesus.

Application: 

  • The cross of Jesus is the crossroads of life. You cannot view the selfless sacrifice of Jesus and walk away the same. Either you will be hardened in your heart, not wanting the public image of what your sin has done, or you will be broken, not wanting to continue as a slave to your sin and seeing in Jesus your only hope.
  • There is power in the cross to transform fearful disciples into bold followers. Joseph and Nicodemus loved the approval of men, but Christ’s sacrifice showed them the emptiness of their lives. Ultimately by seeing what Jesus had done, Joseph and Nicodemus were emboldened to do the right thing, even if it led to their public shame or death. Look to the cross! Focus on what Jesus endured, and ask Him to continue transforming your life to resemble His.
  • There is also grace in waiting. Waiting when life is hard and going forward seems impossible. I love the example of the two Marys. They show us that faith in God (as seen in their obedience to the Sabbath command) is doing the next right thing even when their world around them is falling apart.
  • Ultimately Jesus too is resting. Six days shall we labor but the seventh is the Lord’s. Jesus all during Holy Week has worked. Now His body rests until He takes it up again on Resurrection Day.

Prayer:

Lord, we thank You for the power of Your cross. No time you spent on earth was wasted. The power of Your life on the lives of others shines forth even when all was dark. Please comfort hearts that are troubled today. Give grace for courage. Help us to remember your promise of resurrection!

Worship:

God Rested by Andrew Peterson