“My Lord and my God!”

John 20:1-31

Key Verse 20:28 “Thomas said to him, “My Lord and my God!”

Last week we’ve heard shepherd Jim’s message about Jesus’ crucifixion. Jesus died on the cross by saying, “it is finished.” But that’s not all. Jesus had to rise from the dead. Today’s passage of Jesus’ resurrection is the ultimate fulfillment of all the prophecies and the laws. The author concluded at verse 31, “But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in His name.” What then is to believe? It is strictly a matter of individual response of one person. Nobody can believe for others. Compared with other gospels, the author John focuses on individuals such as Mary Magdalene and Thomas. Meeting with Jesus changed their lives greatly. What if risen Jesus appeared to you today and what would happen to you? So today I would like to emphasize such personal change after meeting risen Jesus. 

Part 1, “Jesus had to rise from the dead” (1-9)

Look at verse 1. “Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene went to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the entrance.” The first day of the week refers to Sunday morning. It was so early that it was still dark. In Mark three women are going together to the tomb. But here only one person Mary Magdalene is mentioned. It is because the author wanted to focus on meaningful personal encounter between her and Jesus. Mary had been very grateful to Jesus because Jesus drove the 7 demons out of her. Since then she had been with Jesus and served His ministry. She couldn’t understand Jesus’ crucifixion and people’s great cruelty. She wanted to honor Jesus’ body one more time by anointing it with spices. But when she arrived at the tomb, she found out that the stone had been removed. But the problems was that she assumed the worst. Those days, grave robbers were not uncommon. Her wrong assumption made her further emotionally down. She began to cry again. Mary was under the power of death. Though she loved Jesus so much, she didn’t have resurrection faith that Jesus had to rise from the dead. Look at v. 2. “So she came running to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one Jesus loved, and said, ‘They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we don’t know where they have put him!’” This verse shows that a dead Jesus was her last hope. So she had to ask others to locate Jesus’ body. 

Look at verses 3-6a. Here we can see detailed description about what happened that day. Peter and the other disciple were running for the tomb. John pointed out he was faster than Peter. He bent over and looked in at the strips of linen lying there but did not go in. Then Simon Peter arrived and went into the tomb. He agreed that Peter was braver than him. In this way all these are his personal memory of Jesus’ resurrection. In Matthew’s gospel Jesus’ enemies tried to cover-up Jesus’ resurrection by spreading the rumor his disciples came at night and stole the body. But this passage clearly shows us Jesus’ followers were trying to find his body instead of stealing or hiding it.

What then did John and Peter find out inside the tomb? Look at v. 6b-8. “He saw the strips of linen lying there, as well as the burial cloth that had been around Jesus head. The cloth was folded up by itself, separate from the linen. Finally the other disciple, who had reached the tomb first, also went inside. He saw and believed.” According to Jewish burial custom there are two coverings: strips of linen covering the entire body and the precious napkin like cloth covering the face as a final step. Here we see the first hard evidence Jesus had risen. What if grave robbers had taken Jesus’ body? They wouldn’t have folded the small facial cloth like waitress. By leaving it neatly, it’s Jesus’ personal way to give his followers the evidence he had to rise from the dead. Here as an illustration let’s think about how to give birth to a butterfly. There is a caterpillar on a tree turning into a beautiful butterfly, during which it undergoes a drastic transformation within a protective hard shell (Chrysalis). It’s compared to Jesus’ resurrection with transformed resurrection body. In contrast, in chapter 11, Lazarus was resurrected with his old “catarpillar type body” still being wrapped up in burial linens and a cloth around his face(11:44) because he didn’t come out like Jesus. In true sense he was being resurscitated rather than resurrected. 

According to Luke’s gospel, Peter was still wondering to himself what had happened. But here John pointed out that he believed as the first one in history to do so although it was incomplete based on the scripture(9). At least he had “spearhead” started. His faith was being rooted in his love relationship with Jesus. John called himself, “the disciple whom Jesus loved.” John was personally sure that Jesus loved him. He found his identity in Jesus’ love. When John was sure about Jesus’ love he could believe Jesus’ resurrection first. He ended up becoming a powerful witness to defend the gospel message especially when all of his companions left physically. 

Part 2, “Go instead to my brothers and tell them” (10-18)

Look at verses 10, 11a. “Then the disciples went back to their homes, but Mary stood outside the tomb crying.” In these verses we find the reason why John’s Gospel identifies Mary Magdalene as the first witness of the Resurrected Jesus Christ. The disciples went back to their homes. They were too afraid to stay too long outside for fear the Jews would arrest them. Simply they didn’t want to be sitting ducks. But Mary didn’t have the same problem. Look at verses 11b-12: “As she wept, she bent over to look into the tomb and saw two angels in white, seated where Jesus’ body had been, one at the head and the other at the foot.” For some reason she checked out the tomb although few minutes ago the disciples had just thoroughly inspected it. This time she saw two angels sitting where Jesus’ body had been placed. This scene reminds me of the ark of the covenant. Above the ark were figures of two angels(cherubim) with wings outstretched over the atonement cover. Now God had sent his holy angels to meet her. I think these two angels used to be guard angels to block the entrance of the garden of Eden especially the tree of life with a flaming sword back and force since Adam and Eve had committed the sin of disobedience. But thanks to Jesus’ death and resurrection they had been just laid off and they were now assigned newly to be the messengers to relay the great news of resurrection. Instead of revealing themselves to the disciples, they appeared to Mary, who was there in great affection, longing for Jesus more than anything else in the world. Here she represents those who keep looking for Jesus will eventually find him. She is also like our Downey UBF women of faith sitting next to you. 

Now look at verses 13,14. “They asked her,’ Woman why are you crying?’ ‘They have taken my Lord away and I don’t know where they have put him.’ At this she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not realize that it was Jesus."  As soon as she answered to the angels, Jesus came up just behind her, asking “Woman, why are you crying? Who is it you are looking for? Standing before Mary, talking to her now is the very person she was looking for. Nevertheless she cannot recognize Him because her sorrow had blinded her to the resurrected Jesus. But our risen Jesus who knows everything, deeply understood her sorrow and gently approached her. She still assumed he was a kind of corrupted gardener, saying, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will get him” (15). 

Look at verse 16. “Jesus said to her, ‘Mary.’ She turned toward him and cried out in Aramaic, ‘Rabboni!’ (which means Teacher).” When Jesus called Mary by name, Mary finally recognized Jesus. In an instant Mary’s grief vanished and joy welled up in her soul. Look at verse 17. “Jesus said, ‘Do not hold on to me, for I have not yet returned to the Father. Go instead to my brothers and tell them, ‘I am returning to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’” Here first of all Jesus didn’t want Mary to take hold of him humanly. Jesus was soon returning to His Father to be exalted and glorified as the Son of God. Then Jesus not only comforted her but also helped her to go instead to share such good news. Jesus called the disciples “my brothers”, and he called God, “my Father and your Father, my God and your God” First “My Father, my God.” And then your Father and your God. It means, through His example of obedient death and resurrection, Jesus made his exclusive love relationship with his Father in heaven. Now Mary and the disciples were greatly privileged to come to their Father through Jesus who pioneered the very way to return to their eternal Father. As a new blessed family relationship, they became the precious children of God and dear brothers of Jesus Christ. Jesus saw them as even co-heirs of God’s eternal kingdom. Some of us might come from troubled or dysfunctional families. But in Jesus, all of us become the members of such glorious family. What a wonderful thing to be a part of God’s family. “My Father and your Father” “My God and your God” Jesus our eldest brother made this blessing come true!

Look at verse 18. “Mary Magdalene went to the disciples with the news: ‘I have seen the Lord!’ And she told them that he had said these things to her.” Mary was no longer a sorrowful woman. Jesus restored her original position in the Genesis 2 as a helper for men or brothers. In the same way Jesus reveals himself to those who love him and seek him with all their hearts. Jesus turns our sorrow into joy and gives us holy mission. 

Part 3, “As the Father has sent me, I am sending you” (19-23) 

Look at verse 19. “On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, ‘Peace be with you!’” The disciples were full of fear. They were afraid of the Jewish leaders, who were determined to eliminate Jesus’ influence for good. What was worse, now Jesus’ tomb was empty. The Jews were likely to take action against them. They were scared! They might have called each other using initials. Simon Peter was “SP,”and James and John were “J1 and “J2.” Fear had made them prisoners in a locked room. The devil holds men in slavery through their fear of death. This constant fear of death makes strong young men turn into fearful men. Suddenly, Jesus came and stood among his disciples, even more making them surprise. Jesus is in his resurrected body there is no barriers for him. He said, “Peace be with you!” Jesus’ words were more than a simple greeting. Jesus’ words had deep spiritual meaning. Jesus imparted to them the peace of God that comes from being right with God. When Jesus died on the cross, the huge balance of debt of sin was just paid off. And God raised him up from the dead. “Peace be with you!” Jesus had forgiven them unconditionally. Jesus had cleansed their consciences of guilt and failure. They could stand before God again with assurance of acceptance. They also had peace with each other. After Peter’s denial, Judas’ betrayal, and mass abandonment, they began to lose trust in one another. But now thanks to risen Jesus, they were able to forgive, love and trust one another again. Now fear vanished from their hearts. They gained a great assurance that everything would be alright. 

Look at verse 20. “After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord.” Showing his hands and side indicates that God is not magical in his forgiveness of sins. To forgive our sins, God had to satisfy his justice with a real sacrifice. As a result the Risen Jesus gives us true peace, overflowing joy and eternal life. In their overflowing joy of being united with the Risen Jesus, the disciples were jumping, dancing and praising God. They needed to calm down and listen. Look at v. 21. Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you!” Then Jesus told them the main point of his message: “As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” God sent Jesus as the first missionary to a lost world. Jesus is the most precious, one and only Son of God. But God asked Jesus to take the most costly mission as the Lamb of God. Jesus understood God’s heart and His love. Jesus personally accepted God’s will and obeyed him wholeheartedly. Now, Jesus was sending his beloved disciples into the world. Jesus called them brothers and now sent them into the world to share his meaningful sufferings for world salvation. Here we learn that being Jesus’ disciple is not just for the personal benefit of having peace and joy, but to participate in God’s glorious mission of world salvation. 

Look at verses 22-23. “And with that he breathed on them and said, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive anyone his sins, they are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven.’” Here we further learn that God never asked us to do His work without providing us first what we really need. In the beginning, God made man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and man became a living being. To this living man, God had given his mission. However sin destroyed everything. But the Risen Jesus now restores man’s relationship with God and his original mission. Just as Mary resumed her mission to help men, Jesus’ disciples were helped too. The Risen Jesus now breathed upon his disciples and imparted his Spirit. He would no longer be physically present with them. His presence with them is internalized. In and through his empowered disciples Jesus wanted to proclaim the message of forgiveness of sins. Those who accept their message become God’s children, stewards of God’s creation. It is God’s ultimate hope that all men will overcome inner fear, believe, and be forgiven and that his kingdom will come on earth as it is in heaven. It is a full restoration of God’s image and His creation purpose. This passage renewed my faith as well. Lately I have been very fearful and lonely. As you knew, my wife missionary Esther had worked hard for the last 12 years as a dentist. But I found one thing that being a dentist is one of hardest jobs for a woman. Every night she suffered from constant pains throughout the body. My heart was broken. I also tried to be a successful real estate investor in order to let her retire early, but due to market downturn I ended up repeating my painful viscious cycle of failure. I was being frustrated and very fearful especially when my first son is becoming a college student. To be honest I was at the crossroad in my life and tempted to go back Korea to resume my career as a Radiologist before reaching 50 years old. I thought that it is an easy way out and make a fortune. But through preparing this message I personally realized that it is not the breakthrough but it is more important to meet Jesus in person and put my trust in the Lord. God wants me to overcome my inner fear, frustration and lack of faith and to become a man of resurrection faith and trust in Him first. May the Lord help me to recover my personal faith fully in Jesus and render glory to Him only. Amen.  

Part 4, “My Lord and my God!” (24-31)

We could have finished the passage. But there was one more disciple missing, named Thomas, who was not present with the others when Jesus came. Whenever his name appeared, we need to be alert. The reason is? We will see. First he was a completely different kettle of fish. But Jesus didn’t ignore him at all although Jesus was on a busy schedule to return to his Father in heaven. Truly Jesus is the good shepherd. Thomas’ nick name called Didymus is only shown in the book of John (11:16, 20:24, 21:2). His name means “the twin.” Have you been heard about OCD? I like to diagnose Thomas as OCD patient because OCD is the doubting disease. He needs double check, the twin check. The name itself has to repeat “D” twice. “Di” “Dy”.. As soon as he returned, they told him, “We have seen the Lord!” Thomas did not accept it. He said, “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe it.”’ 

Thomas is also like a representative for young person in our times. They can’t believe on the basis of others’ testimony or existing facts. Instead, they must see and feel it for themselves. They have lost faith in their parents after experiencing too many broken promises and the trauma of broken families. They have learned that it’s foolish to simply believe what they are being told. So they want to experience life for themselves and reach their conclusions. Look at verse 26. “A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, ‘Peace be with you!’” Jesus came in the same way as he did the first time, and with the same word of blessing. But this time, Jesus was most concerned about one person, Thomas. Look at verse 27. “Then he said to Thomas, ‘Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.’” First of all Jesus was not angry with Thomas. Jesus offered his wounded body for Thomas to see and touch by himself. Jesus was ready to let Thomas put his finger in his nail-marked hands and to put his hand into his side. Jesus was full of grace to Thomas. Praise Jesus!

Likewise to be Bible teachers for this generation, we must learn how to express the love of Jesus until it becomes real to young people. One young man was sick with doubt after his parents divorced, breaking his heart. He began to study the word of God with a Bible teacher who loved him faithfully. He accepted Jesus’ word and knew he should commit his life to Jesus. But in anguish of soul, he gave his Bible teacher hard times by demanding his love and service. His Bible teacher prayed, asking for God’s help. After two years, the young man decided to believe the love of Jesus and committed his life to the work of God. 

Look at v. 28. Thomas confessed, “My Lord and my God!” He accepted Jesus as his Lord. He accepted Jesus as his God. In this way he completely surrendered to Jesus by saying, “My Lord and my God!” It is worthwhile to struggle with difficult Bible students to the end, for they may eventually make the greatest confession of faith. They say, “Different strokes for different folks!” Each person is a whole new ball game in a real spiritual world! Each person is different with a unique character, opinion, problem, and desire. Just as our risen Jesus showed us his good example in today’s passage, one to one personal Bible study and shepherding is often the best and the only way to serve them. “My Lord and my God!” In fact Jesus came for one person, myself. Indeed it is what Christianity is all about. Christianity came about through one person at a time. Jesus could have chosen alternatives such as massive evangelism after powerful resurrection but he is the same as the good shepherd to take care of the most challenging sheep like Thomas until he’s being transformed to be a great servant of God. Often times we encounter difficulties and limitations in serving new emerging generation who follow the popular trend of life(fad) infected with sin and go with the mainstream of sin.Thus we wonder if we should look for alternatives. We are tempted to keep up with the Joneses. But nothing is more effective than focusing on profound Bible studies because we have “God breathed scripture” good for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness. When God moves one person’s heart through his living word, an ordinary person begins to become fully equipped and truly great before God! Even when God moves the heart, that person leave their home, family, good jobs, and future security boldly, going to all nations as a missionary. 

 

I like to introduce the name of an ordinary American young man “Henry Appenzeller.” When God moved his heart, he became one of three most recognizable American missionaries for Korean evangelization. He came to Korea in 1885 at the age of 27. He devoted himself as a Bible translator. Realizing that the Korean people neglected to use their already available well-crafted writing system, hangeul. Appenzeller became impassioned with providing a well-translated hangeul version of the Bible to the Korean people. He made many tours throughout the country and studied the Korean language five hours a day so that he could preach in Korean. He believed that the Bible was the best piece of literature available to many of his students. Thanks to his pioneering efforts in Korea, the country has achieved a literacy rate of almost 98 percent. Now Korea became the rank number two after America in terms of sending missionaries. On the journey to attend the meeting of Bible translation, he accidentally drowned to death at the age of 44. Recently my zeal and passion for Jesus becomes cool off. But through him and this message, God renewed my spirit. May the Lord help me to serve God thankfully until I may contribute myself to make the gospel message of Jesus known to college students. May God bless America to be a kingdom of priests continually. 

Look at v 29. “Then Jesus told him, ‘Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” Jesus helped Thomas to develop his faith further. In this world  there are two kinds of faith: experienced faith and personal faith. When we prayed for our children, job, marriage, and Bible student or disciple making, we often time became like Thomas asking for tangible outcome. But our wonderful Jesus deeply understood our agony and urgent prayer topics and our individual problem and answered our prayers according to our needs. In this way he graciously allowed us to feel his love in our practical problems and prayers. But that’s not all. Jesus wants each of us to upgrade such experienced faith into the next version that is, wholesome personal faith in Him. We continue to put our trust in Him and His agape love and live a victorious and fruitful life for God’s glory. That is the very life example of our eldest brother Jesus Christ  in John’s gospel so far. According to Jesus’ undying love, Thomas became a man of upgrade personal and trusting faith. History proves that with that quality faith he became the only Apostle who went beyond the territory of vast Roman empire to preach the gospel. He ended up obeying Jesus to reach the end of the earth. What an extreme change from a man of doubt to a saint! Praise Jesus who transformed his disciples who were mainly the cowardly and the unbelieving, the destiny of whom are the fiery lake of burning sulfur, into the courageous and the believing for God’s kingdom purpose. Anyone can have hope to restore God’s image fully in Jesus. May the Lord bless each of us to restore God’s purpose fully to be a source of blessing for all nations. 

 

One word) My Lord and my God!

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