Sharon Reformed Presbyterian Church · Sermon study sheet

Rejoice! He is Risen! (John 19:38–20:31)

Bryan Schneider · April 11, 2020

John 19:38

sharonrpc.org/sermons/rejoice-he-is-risen-john

Summary

God turns sorrow and fear into joy through the bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus move from fearful secrecy to courageous public care for Jesus' body, fulfilling the prophecy that he would be buried with the rich.
The empty tomb and orderly grave cloths confront Mary, Peter, and John with a reality they had not yet understood from Scripture.
Jesus personally calls Mary by name, changes her grief to recognition and joy, and sends her to announce his resurrection and coming ascension.
The risen Lord enters the disciples' locked room, declares peace to those who had failed him, and displays the wounds that testify to accomplished atonement and justification.
Thomas's confession, 'My Lord and my God,' identifies the risen Jesus as divine Lord, while John's Gospel calls later readers to believe without seeing and receive life in his name.

Where has fear kept my discipleship private when allegiance to Jesus calls for courage?
How does the empty tomb address present sorrow, grief, or fear?
Do I recognize that Jesus' resurrection is bodily history rather than a symbol or private spiritual experience?
What does the risen Christ's declaration of peace say to the guilt of disciples who failed him?
Can I confess with Thomas that Jesus is both my Lord and my God?
Am I demanding a kind of proof God has not promised, or receiving the apostolic testimony written so that I may believe?
How should resurrection hope produce perseverance, character, confidence, and joy in present affliction?

Resurrection: Jesus Christ's bodily rising from death on the third day with the same body in which he suffered, now victorious over death.
Justification: God's free declaration that believers are pardoned and accepted as righteous solely because of Christ's righteousness received by faith.
Peace: The reconciled relationship Christ announces to guilty disciples because his sacrificial work has answered God's judgment against sin.
Faith: Receiving and resting on the risen Christ as Lord, God, Savior, righteousness, and only hope of life.
Ascension: The risen Christ's bodily entrance into heaven to reign and intercede at the Father's right hand.