resurrection Is…pt.1

John 20:19-31

Resurrection Life: Peace, Power, and Proclamation

Last week, we stood at the mouth of the empty tomb, marveling at the mystery. But we weren’t given much meaning yet. We knew the tomb was empty. We knew something world-shifting had happened. But what exactly does resurrection mean for us, today?

Now, as we journey further into Eastertide, the Gospel of John begins to unfold the answer.

In today’s lectionary reading, the risen Jesus steps through locked doors, into a room full of fear and failure, and shows his disciples—and us—what resurrection really is.

It’s not just that Jesus is alive.

It’s that we are meant to be made alive with him.

Resurrection isn’t just something to believe in. It’s a life to live.

And when Jesus enters that room, he gives us three resurrection gifts: Peace, Power, and Proclamation.

Resurrection Is Peace.

The first word out of Jesus’ mouth isn’t a rebuke. It’s not a lecture.

It’s Peace.

“Peace be with you.”

When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you.”

Twice he says it. And for good reason.

The disciples are hiding—paralyzed by fear, weighed down with guilt, uncertain about the future. Their whole world has shattered. And yet, Jesus doesn’t shame them. He doesn’t even scold them. He simply speaks peace.

This is no casual greeting. This is Resurrection Peace.

The kind of peace that wipes away guilt, silences shame, mends brokenness, and restores relationship—all in a breath. This is the kind of peace we’ve only ever dreamed about. A peace hoped for, sung about by prophets, but now finally here because Jesus is alive.

Peace from the Past.

Their failures didn’t define them anymore. And neither do yours.

Peace for the Future.

Because of Resurrection, second chances aren’t a foolish risk—they’re a real, living possibility. Everyone has wished for a do-over at some point. And now, through the Risen Christ, you’re given not just another shot—you’re given an entirely new life.

In worship today, when we pass the Peace, it isn’t a formality. It’s an offering of resurrection life. It’s the Prince of Peace moving among us, breathing life into the failures, the fears, and the fractures of our lives. May the fullness of that Peace be yours.

Resurrection Is Power.

Next, Jesus breathes.

“And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit.’”

This is a Genesis moment. Just as God once breathed into dust and Adam became a living soul, now Jesus, the Second Adam, breathes new life into his disciples. This is not just symbolic. It’s resurrection, happening right now.

It’s new life entering a world still groaning under the curse of death. You cannot live a Resurrection Life with dead-man strength. You cannot white-knuckle your way into holiness. You can’t muscle your way through real change. You need the Spirit’s power. Jesus breathes his Spirit into his people, not only to make them new but to live new.

The Spirit empowers us not to limp along, barely making it, but to step into a new kind of living—one that begins now and stretches into eternity.

The New Heavens and New Earth will be glorious—but Resurrection Life doesn’t wait until then. We begin living it now, tasting the glory that will be ours in full. Resurrection is Peace for the past, Power for the present, and a foretaste of the future.

Resurrection Is Proclamation.

And finally—resurrection sends us out. nWithout resurrection, our faith, this church, and even Jesus’ ministry would be a cruel joke. As Paul says in 1 Corinthians 15, without resurrection, we are the most pitiful people on the planet. But Christ is risen.

Which means we have the only message worth proclaiming.

When Thomas sees the risen Jesus, he cries out, “My Lord and my God!”

When Peter experiences the Spirit, he can’t help but proclaim Christ—even when told to keep quiet. Proclamation is not optional for resurrection people. It is the natural overflow of new life.

And let’s be clear: You might think you would never withhold Resurrection Life from someone. But if Resurrection Life comes by proclaiming it—and you keep your mouth closed—you are withholding Resurrection.

You might think the people in your life are random. Accidental. They are not. Every neighbor, coworker, family member, and friend in your life is there by divine appointment—a soul who needs a second chance, a new life. How will they hear unless someone tells them?

Imagine sitting on a goldmine, open to all, and not telling anyone. That’s what we do when we keep the Good News to ourselves.

Spread Resurrection like you can’t give it away fast enough.

There’s more than enough for everyone.

Worship vs. Witness

One last thing: Worship is not primarily a time for evangelism.

Worship is for the redeemed, offering their hearts to the Risen King. Evangelism happens out there—in your neighborhoods, in your conversations, in your everyday lives. You proclaim the Good News first, then invite people into the worship of the One they’ve come to believe in.

The Church gathered is not a marketing event. It is the family of God, resting and rejoicing in resurrection. Let’s restore that rhythm—proclaim boldly in the world, and praise fully in worship.

Resurrection Life Now

So what is resurrection? It’s not just a historical event. It’s not just a theological idea.

It’s a life offered to you.

• It is Peace—peace from your past, and peace for the journey ahead.

• It is Power—Spirit-breathed strength to live a new life.

• It is Proclamation—a message so good you can’t keep it in.

Come to the Resurrected Lord. Lay hold of the new life He’s offering.

Be at peace. Live with power. And proclaim to the world the only thing that truly changes everything.

Christ is risen. And resurrection changes everything.

Watch Sermon HERE.

Listen to Sermon HERE.

Peace Be With You,

Pastor Bruce