Then Jesus Came

Today’s Verse:

Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you. ~John 20:19

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The resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ is the one miracle that validates His veracity as the Son of God. The Bible says that He showed Himself alive by many infallible proofs. Over 500 people saw Him and testified of His appearing. His resurrection was a true, physical occurrence. Without a resurrected Christ, our faith is in vain. But on that first evening, the disciples were hiding in an upper room out of fear, regret, and sorrow. In John 20:19, we are told, “Then the same day at evening came Jesus.” Let us consider the power of the words, “Then came Jesus.”

When Jesus came, He brought comfort.

“Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you.” These disciples were overcome with fear of being found and killed for being associated with Jesus. Their hopes were shattered that the cause He came for seemed to be defeated. They had regrets that they were not there with Him when He died. Then Jesus came! He spoke those familiar words that calmed the raging storm in their lives. He said, “Peace be unto you.” These words of comfort were to the group, but they spoke to each man individually. Whatever tribulation you might be going through, listen for His comfort as He utters to you, “Peace be unto you.”

When Jesus came, He gave His commission.

“Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you.” His mission was complete. He finished the work the Father had sent Him to do. He was now handing the baton of the gospel ministry over to this first generation of saved, baptized believers. This commission is universal in nature. We are to go and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost. This commission is one of urgency. The “go” means now! The “go” means you! The commission remains completely unfulfilled. “How shall they hear without a preacher; and how shall they preach, except they be sent?” This commission demands our undertaking. To not act upon it is disobedience to our Lord. He sends us with a message that changes lives, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

When Jesus came, He gave completeness.

“And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost.” These frightened disciples sensed their inadequacies. In their power, they would fail. Jesus gave them, and gives to us, His completeness. He breathed on them and said, “Receive ye the Holy Ghost.” Jesus has all power in heaven and earth. Jesus gives us the Comforter to do God’s work through us. Through the Spirit’s power, conviction of sin is present. Through the Spirit’s power, the devil is restrained. Through the Spirit’s power, our words are coherent and compelling. Through the Spirit’s power, the work of soulwinning is all His accomplishment, and not ours. Through the Holy Spirit, we have unction from the Holy One. We are complete! We can do a supernatural work because of a supernatural power. “It is the Spirit that quickeneth: the flesh profiteth nothing.”

When Jesus came, He gave compensation.

“Whose soever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whose soever sins ye retain, they are retained.” We do not have power or authority to forgive or take away sins. Jesus is promising that sinners will respond to His Holy Spirit and the power of the gospel message. Sinners can be saved and their sins washed away. He is giving us confidence that we can be fruitful soulwinners anywhere the gospel message is taken. Sinners who get saved are the crowns that we one day will lay at His feet in heaven.

Then Jesus came! Let Jesus come through the walls of despair and discouragement and work in you. Let Jesus come to overcome your insecurities and use you for His glory. When they needed Him the most, “Then Jesus came.”

Have a complete God Morning!

Bible Reading Schedule: Isaiah 28-30

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