How can we apply the disciples' joy in John 20:20 to our lives? The Scene of Joy “After He had said this, He showed them His hands and His side. The disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord.” – John 20:20 Why Their Joy Matters • It sprang from a real, bodily resurrection they could touch and see. • It replaced terror and doubt with settled confidence. • It marked the turning point from fear‐locked rooms (John 20:19) to bold world mission (Acts 1:8). Joy Rooted in the Risen Christ • Our joy is not generic optimism; it is anchored in a living Savior (1 Corinthians 15:20). • Because Jesus lives, He guarantees our future (John 14:19) and intercedes for us now (Hebrews 7:25). • Nothing can sever this joy: “No one will take your joy away from you” (John 16:22). Cultivating the Same Joy Today 1. Look again at His wounds – Spend time in passages describing the crucifixion and resurrection (John 19–20; Isaiah 53). – Remember that the scars proclaim both love and victory. 2. Practice His presence – Speak with Him throughout the day, acknowledging, “The Lord is near” (Philippians 4:5–6). – Sing or meditate on Scripture that celebrates His nearness (Psalm 16:11). 3. Receive the Holy Spirit’s witness – The same evening Jesus breathed peace on them (John 20:22). – Ask the Spirit to awaken fresh assurance (Romans 8:16; Galatians 5:22). 4. Obey immediately – Their joy fueled obedience; ours grows the same way (John 15:10–11). – Act on promptings to forgive, serve, or speak for Christ. 5. Rehearse gospel realities together – Meet with believers to share answered prayer and Scripture insights (Hebrews 10:24–25). – Joy multiplies in community (1 John 1:3–4). Guarding the Joy • Reject joy-stealers: unconfessed sin (Psalm 32:3–4), worry (Philippians 4:6), and worldliness (1 John 2:15-17). • Refresh daily in the Word; “the joy of the LORD is your strength” (Nehemiah 8:10). • Memorize promises like Romans 15:13 and pray them back to God. Overflowing Joy to Others • Joy attracts: the early believers’ gladness added daily to their number (Acts 2:46-47). • Let your face, words, and deeds witness that Jesus is alive (1 Peter 1:8). • Serve sacrificially; joy expands when given away (2 Corinthians 9:7-8). As the disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord, we fix our eyes on the same risen Christ and walk in that unshakable joy today. |
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