Woship Resources 2008-2009 — Year B: Be a Sanctuary of Christ's Peace

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Sunday, April 19, 2009
Peace Be with You

Second Sunday of Easter

Scriptures: Acts 4:32–35; Psalm 133; I John 1:1—2:2; John 20:19–31;
Helaman 2:112; Doctrine and Covenants 163:9

Prelude

Welcome

*Peace Songs

“We’re Singing a Peace Song” SP 19
“Shine, Jesus, Shine” NS 45
“The Cause of Zion Summons Us” HS 314 

*Invocation

*Response: “Song of Zechariah” verse 1 SP 5
OR “O How Blessed Are the Poor in Spirit” refrain HS 322

Call to Worship: Psalm 133

Song: “Will You Come and Follow Me?” Worship and Rejoice 350

This hymnal is available from Hope Publishing Company. Call 1-800-323-1049, toll free.

OR “O Master, Let Me Walk with Thee” HS 462

Sermon

Based on John 20:19–31

Disciples’ Generous Response

Each Sunday, as part of the Disciples’ Generous Response, we ask you to integrate the message of “share equally” between Local and World Ministries Mission Tithes. Generosity stories are provided to keep the church in touch with how contributions to Mission Tithes spread the peace of Jesus Christ. Please use the stories, testimonies, and up-to-date contribution information as part of your offertory ministry. Visit www.CofChrist.org/generositystories to print a copy, or contact your pastor, congregational financial officer, or worship coordinator for a copy.

Scripture: Doctrine and Covenants 163:9

Blessing and Receiving of Mission Tithes

Song: “All Things Bright and Beautiful” HS 18

Sharing Warm Fuzzies

Tell about someone in the group you appreciate. In a small congregation, each member is encouraged to pick out one individual—telling about a quality, personality trait, memory, or some other positive attribute or experience they admire or have appreciated. If the facilities allow, share by sitting in a circle. In a large congregation, smaller groups could be formed for sharing.

Prayer for Peace see page 27

Feel free to remain in the groups from the previous activity. Each group could choose a specific region of the world and offer a prayer for peace regarding that area. After the prayers the groups can return to the larger group or can remain in place through the last hymn and benediction.

*Closing Hymn: “Peace I Leave You” SP 35

*Benediction

*Sending Forth: Helaman 2:112 OR John 20:21

*Postlude

Sermon Helps

Scriptures: Acts 4:32–35; Psalm 133; I John 1:1—2:2; John 20:19–31

Exploring the Scriptures

The story of Jesus’ appearance to the disciples causes us to wonder what it would have been like to encounter the risen Lord. It is common to assume that the term “disciples” is specifically referring to the Eleven (the Twelve minus Judas), but it would be a mistake to make this assumption. John rarely refers to the Twelve but rather the gathering of disciples. In this case the gathering of disciples represents the faith community and not the early leaders as represented by the Twelve.

This story is linked with the preceding story in the garden by the use of the phrase “that day” (v. 19). The disciples’ fearful actions would suggest they did not believe Mary’s report. The locked doors seem to heighten the expectation and the effect of Jesus’ entrance into the room. In fact it is a reflection of the disciples’ fear because of conflicts with Jewish authorities.

Jesus’ greeting, “Peace be with you,” is a conventional greeting; however, in this context it fulfills one of his promises given to those who will experience hatred and intense persecution (14:27). This peace is given to a small band of disciples who have locked themselves away for fear of the Jews and is a reminder to us today that in life or death we belong to Christ and need not be afraid.

As if to alleviate any doubt, Jesus shows them his hands and his side. He will give Thomas a more detailed presentation with the challenge to later generations of the importance of faith in the unseen things of God. After affirming the gift of his peace and commissioning them, he fulfills the promise of the Advocate, or Holy Spirit, in his farewell message to the disciples. Jesus breathed on them as he conferred upon them the gift of the Holy Spirit.

This commissioning of the Holy Spirit would not only be critical in the empowerment of their ministry but would serve as a foundational experience as they encounter significant challenges and even death for the sake of the work. As we read this scripture, we have the benefit of knowing what lies ahead for the disciples and the early church. God, through Christ and the Holy Spirit, would not leave them alone but would sustain and empower their ministry. The same promise holds true for us today.

We close this passage with the memorable interaction between Thomas and Jesus. We wonder how one could doubt in the presence of the risen Jesus, yet we recognize in our lives today the tendency to focus on those things which are seen. Jesus continued to point to a kingdom that was not of this world and challenged the disciples to put their trust in God.

Central Ideas
  1. Like the disciples, we struggle to grasp the full meaning of the Resurrection in the midst of the struggles of life.
  2. We hear the commissioning of the disciples anew in our day as we respond to the call to share the peace of Jesus Christ.
  3. The disciples saw and believed. We are called to place our trust in a faith journey with God that provides assurance for today and hope for tomorrow.
  4. If we truly follow the movement of God in Christ, we will encounter hatred and persecution.
  5. The Holy Spirit provides strength and insight to those who accept Christ’s commission.

Questions for the Speaker
  1. How does your hope in the Resurrection impact your ministry today?
  2. How has the Holy Spirit provided peace in the midst of your uncertainties?
  3. What are the modern-day distractions and messages that make trusting in the unseen purposes of God challenging?
  4. How has your discipleship resulted in situations where you are confronted with opposition or persecution?

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