April 27th Virtual Worship
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Worship Team: Sarah Haas, Marc Hayden
Music Ministry Team: Kristin Petty
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Key Notes from the reading & sermon:
Scripture Lesson
Sunday, April 27, 2025
Scripture Reading: John 20:19-29
Sermon: New Life, Abiding Peace
John 20:19-29
When it was evening on that day, the first day of the week, and the doors of the house where the disciples had met were locked for fear of the authorities, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” After he said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” When he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.” But Thomas (who was called the Twin), one of the twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord.” But he said to them, “Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands, and put my finger in the mark of the nails and my hand in his side, I will not believe.”
A week later his disciples were again in the house, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were shut, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here and see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it in my side. Do not doubt but believe.” Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!” Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe.”
Key Idea of the Sermon
“Peace be with you” is the greeting of the Risen One. We see this greeting and blessing offered three times in today’s passage. The word “peace” as used in the New Testament has its roots in the Hebrew concept of Shalom—the Divine intention of harmony, reconciliation, rest, and wellbeing for all of creation. The grace of God we have discovered in Christ, puts us into right relationship with our Creator, resulting in Shalom. The Risen Christ brings this gift to disciples, so that we need not live in fear. The peace of Christ is not a peace from adversity but a peace in adversity. Embracing the living Spirit of Christ empowers us to be kind, compassionate, just, and faithful even when there are risks involved.
Questions for Reflection
• What are the fears that make you want to hide behind locked doors? How might the peace and Shalom of the Risen Christ help you open the doors and serve with Christ in the world God loves?
• Thomas wanted to see with his own eyes before believing Christ was really alive. How does the idea of St. Paul that the church is the “living body of Christ” (see I Corinthians 12) open our eyes and hearts to the presence of the Risen Christ
A Spiritual Practice to Try
This week open your door and take a walk in your community. Ask the Risen Christ to show you the ways you can share the peace of Christ right where you are and with the people who cross your path.
If you need some guidance or support, you may reach me at pastormarc.friedensucc@outlook.com
