It was the first day of the week, and that very evening, while the disciples were together with the doors locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them. "Peace be with you!" He said to them. It was the first day of the week,The first day of the week, Sunday, holds significant importance as it marks the day of Jesus' resurrection. This day became known as the Lord's Day in early Christianity, distinguishing it from the Jewish Sabbath, which is observed on Saturday. The resurrection on this day fulfills Jesus' prophecy about rising on the third day and sets a precedent for Christian worship and gathering. Mat 28:1 After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week… and that very evening, The evening of the resurrection day is crucial as it shows the immediacy of Jesus' appearances to His disciples. This timing emphasizes the continuity of His presence and the fulfillment of His promise to rise again. It also highlights the transition from the despair of the crucifixion to the hope of the resurrection within a single day. Luk 24:29 But they pleaded with Him, “Stay with us, for it is… while the disciples were together The gathering of the disciples indicates their unity and shared experience of fear and uncertainty following Jesus' crucifixion. This communal aspect is significant as it reflects the early Christian practice of meeting together for support, prayer, and worship, which is echoed in Acts 2:42-47. Act 2:1 When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together… with the doors locked for fear of the Jews, The locked doors symbolize the disciples' fear of persecution from Jewish authorities, who had been instrumental in Jesus' crucifixion. This fear is rooted in the historical context of Jewish leaders' opposition to Jesus' ministry. The locked doors also serve to highlight the miraculous nature of Jesus' appearance, as He enters despite the physical barriers. Jhn 7:13 Yet no one would speak publicly about Him… Jesus came and stood among them. Jesus' sudden appearance among the disciples demonstrates His glorified, resurrected body, which transcends physical limitations. This act reassures the disciples of His victory over death and His divine nature. It also fulfills His promise in Matthew 18:20, where He assures His presence among those gathered in His name. Luk 24:36 While they were describing these events, Jesus Himself stood… “Peace be with you!” He said to them. The greeting "Peace be with you" is more than a customary salutation; it conveys the deep peace that comes from reconciliation with God through Christ's sacrifice. This peace fulfills the promise of John 14:27, where Jesus assures His disciples of peace not as the world gives. It signifies the restoration of relationship and the calming of their fears, preparing them for their mission as His witnesses. Jhn 14:27 Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you.… Persons / Places / Events 1. Jesus ChristThe resurrected Lord who appears to His disciples, bringing them peace and reassurance. 2. The Disciples Followers of Jesus who are gathered together in fear, yet are the first to witness His post-resurrection appearance. 3. The Locked Room A place of fear and uncertainty, symbolizing the disciples' state of mind and the barriers that Jesus transcends. 4. The Jews Refers to the Jewish leaders who were perceived as a threat to the disciples, causing them to lock the doors. 5. The First Day of the Week Signifies the beginning of a new creation and the day of Jesus' resurrection, which later becomes the Christian day of worship. Teaching Points Peace in the Midst of FearJesus' greeting of "Peace be with you" demonstrates that His presence brings peace, even in fearful circumstances. Believers can find peace in Christ despite external threats or internal anxieties. The Power of the Resurrection Jesus' ability to appear in a locked room highlights His divine nature and the transformative power of the resurrection. This power is available to believers, offering hope and assurance of eternal life. Community and Fellowship The disciples were gathered together, showing the importance of community in times of fear and uncertainty. Christians are encouraged to seek fellowship and support within the body of Christ. Faith Over Fear The locked doors symbolize the disciples' fear, yet Jesus' presence overcomes their fear. Believers are called to trust in Jesus' power and presence rather than succumbing to fear. The Significance of the Lord's Day The first day of the week marks a new beginning and is a reminder of the resurrection. Christians are encouraged to honor this day as a time of worship and reflection on the new life in Christ. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Jesus' greeting of "Peace be with you" in John 20:19 apply to your current life situation?2. In what ways can the resurrection power of Jesus help you overcome personal fears or challenges? 3. How can you foster a sense of community and fellowship within your church or small group, especially during difficult times? 4. Reflect on a time when you experienced peace in a fearful situation. How did your faith play a role in that experience? 5. How can you honor the significance of the Lord's Day in your weekly routine, and what impact might this have on your spiritual growth? Connections to Other Scriptures Luke 24:36-49This passage parallels John 20:19, where Jesus appears to His disciples and offers them peace, emphasizing His physical resurrection. Philippians 4:7 Relates to the peace Jesus offers, which surpasses all understanding and guards the hearts and minds of believers. Revelation 1:10 Connects to the significance of the "first day of the week" as the Lord's Day, a time for worship and reflection on the resurrection. Acts 2:1-4 The gathering of the disciples in one place, similar to John 20:19, but this time filled with the Holy Spirit, showing the transformation from fear to boldness. Hebrews 10:25 Encourages believers to gather together, as the disciples did, to strengthen and encourage one another in faith.
People Didymus, Jesus, Mary, Peter, Simon, ThomasPlaces JerusalemTopics Assembled, Disciples, Doors, Evening, Fear, Jews, Locked, Midst, Peace, Sabbaths, Says, Shut, Stood, WeekDictionary of Bible Themes John 20:19 5364 key 2555 Christ, resurrection appearances 7110 body of Christ 2318 Christ, as prophet Library May 20 EveningJesus saith unto her, Mary.--JOHN 20:16. Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by name: Thou art mine.--The sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name. And the sheep follow him: for they know his voice. Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands; thy walls are continually before me. The foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his.--We have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God. … Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path September 5. "He Breathed on Them" (John xx. 22). October 9. "Peace be unto You" (John xx. 19, 21). Thomas and Jesus The Resurrection Morning The Risen Lord's Charge and Gift The Silence of Scripture The Lord is Risen Indeed Supposing Him to be the Gardener The Evidence of Our Lord's Wounds Easter Day. Sermon for Thursday in Easter Week Sermon for the First Sunday after Easter The Eternal Manhood The Higher Faith. Thoughts Upon Self-Denyal. Sixth Appearance of Jesus. The Person and Work of the Holy Spirit as Revealed in his Names. The Work of the Holy Spirit Ambassadors for Christ Whether Sacred Doctrine Proceeds by Argument Whether God Always Loves Better Things the More It was but a Little that I Passed by them when I Found Him whom My Soul Loveth. I Held Him; Neither Will I Let Him Go Until I Bring Him into My Mother's House, and into the Chamber of Her that Conceived Me. The Resurrection. Links John 20:19 NIVJohn 20:19 NLT John 20:19 ESV John 20:19 NASB John 20:19 KJV John 20:19 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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