Sermon Guide: John 20:19-23 "Sent Christ, Sent Church"

Date Preached: April 27, 2025

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Key Passages

John 20:19–23, ESV

On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors being locked where the disciples were for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, “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. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.” And 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 withhold forgiveness from any, it is withheld.”

Sermon Overview

Jesus is “the one sent by the Father.” It’s absolutely foundational to his identity. In this passage, he demonstrates to his as-yet unbelieving disciples that he has accomplished his mission, and that he has a mission for them, too. The mission of the Church is unified with Jesus’ mission: Christ offers himself to save a dying world, and we offer Christ.

Sermon Structure

1. The Culmination of Jesus’ Mission

• Jesus’ peace

• Jesus’ wounds

• Jesus’ authority

2. The Beginning of the Church’s Mission

• Jesus’ Spirit

• Jesus’ forgiveness

3. Conclusion

• Locked doors can’t stop Jesus

Questions for Discussion & Reflection

1. Do you have a sense of your peace with God? What do you do (and what passages of the Bible do you turn to) when you don’t feel that peace?

2. How does Jesus showing us his wounds help us grasp the gospel — and how does he show us his wounds, today?

3. In what ways does the Spirit equip and help you for the mission?

4. Has Jesus circumnavigated any locked doors in your own life?