They Saw the LORD
Luke 24:36-46; John 20:19-29 [text: John 20:20, 25, 29]
Acts 1:3 says Jesus SHOWED Himself alive—First, to Mary Magdalene (John 20:14-16; Mk. 16:9-11). Next, to other women who visited the tomb (Mt. 28:8-10). Thirdly, to Peter privately (Luke 24:34; 1 Cor. 15:5), then to Cleopas and his companion at Emmaus (Luke 24:30-32).
Picture the SCENE. It is the evening of Christ’s resurrection—first day of the week. The disciples are gathered in the “upper room” as Simon Peter testifies he has just seen the Lord (Luke 24:33-34). Then the Emmaus disciples return to testify they also saw Jesus (Luke 24:35)! Suddenly Jesus Himself appears from out of nowhere in the midst of them.
The shocked disciples thought they were seeing a “spirit” (Luke 24:36-37). To prove they were not seeing a “ghost,” Jesus showed them the nail prints on His hands, and ate some broiled fish and honey.
It was no “gaseous form of ectoplasm” that came out of the grave, as the J.W’s teach. Jesus is not a phantom or disembodied spirit. The Bible teaches the literal bodily resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ.
5 things we learn from this appearance of Christ in the Upper Room.
I. The CONDITIONS of Christ’s coming.
A. He came when the disciples were unprepared, fearful, and doubtful. Today many are unprepared for His coming, and some doubt He is coming.
B. He came when they forgot His promise that they would see Him again (cf. John 14:18-19, 27-29; 16:16-22).
Today scoffers say, “Where is the promise of his coming?” (2 Pet. 3:4).
C. He came when they were assembled together. There was still some cohesiveness among them. Thank God, there are still some who believe in assembling with other believers to exhort one another (Heb. 10:25).
D. He came while some testified seeing Him. Amen! What a great time for the Lord to show up—During a testimony meeting!
II. The CENTRALITY of Christ’ place (Luke 24:36; John 20:19).
Jesus stood “in the midst.” Jesus should be at the center of our lives, not on the fringe.
A. Jesus walks “in the midst” of all our church does (Rev.1:13;2:1). Jesus should be in the middle of all we do—Our planning… preaching… programs.
B. Jesus died “in the midst” of sinners (John 19:18).
C. Jesus sat “in the midst” of the synagogue asking and answering questions (Luke 2:46). Take your hard questions to Jesus.
D. Jesus promises be “in the midst” of our fellowship (Mt. 18:20).
E. Jesus walks “in the midst” of our fiery trials (Dan. 3:25).
F. Jesus pronounces peace “in the midst” of our perplexities (Luke 24:36; John 20:19-20).
Partial Sermon: Sermon PDF-They Saw the LORD
