Second Sunday Of Easter
Preaching
Lectionary Preaching Workbook
Cycle A, THIRD EDITION
THE LESSONS
Lesson 1: Acts 2:14a, 22--32 (C, E)
According to God's plan and David's prophecy, Jesus was raised from the dead. This pericope is a part of Peter's Pentecost sermon. It is a sample of the early church's preaching, as Luke understood it, summarized in the crucifixion, resurrection, and fulfillment of prophecy. Peter emphasizes that what happened to Jesus was according to God's plan. He quotes Psalm 16 as a prophecy by David of the resurrection which was fulfilled. The disciples are witnesses to the fulfillment because of their encounters with the risen Lord.
Lesson 1: Acts 2:42--47 (RC)
See Easter 4, Common.
Lesson 2: 1 Peter 1:3--9 (C, RC, E)
Though they have not seen Jesus, Christians love, believe, and rejoice in Christ through their faith which brings them salvation. Today we begin a series from 1 Peter which continues through the Easter season. The letter is addressed to a second generation of Gentile Christians in Asia Minor who have not seen the risen Lord as the disciples did. They have been born again to a living hope through the resurrection. That hope is for the full revelation and their salvation when Christ returns. Until he comes, their faith will be tested by persecution. Though they have not seen Jesus, they love, believe in, and rejoice in him. Their faith brings salvation to them.
Gospel: John 20:19--31 (C, RC, E)
The appearance of the risen Christ turns Thomas' doubt to faith. On this "Low Sunday" we face the question, "How can one believe in the resurrection without a personal appearance of the risen Christ?" Mary Magdalene had her personal experience with the risen Lord, but Thomas, who was absent at the first assembly of the disciples, did not. The Gospel Lesson is of two parts. The first (vv. 19--23) gives us Jesus' appearance, his final commission, his peace, and the Spirit. It is the ascension and Pentecost wrapped into one day, Easter Sunday. We are to deal with the second section (vv. 24--29) today. Christ overcomes Thomas' doubt by a personal encounter, but Jesus declares that faith is not based on concrete evidence, but on trust of the Word proclaimed by others. The original ending of John's Gospel (vv. 30--31) gives his purpose in writing the book.
Psalm Of The Day
Psalm 16 (C) - "For thou dost not give me up to Sheol or let thy godly one see the Pit" (v. 10).
Psalm 118 (RC) - "O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his steadfast love endures forever" (v. 1).
Psalm 111 (E) - "Great are the works of the Lord" (v. 2).
Prayer Of The Day
"Almighty God, we have celebrated with joy the festival of our Lord's resurrection. Graciously help us to show the power of the resurrection in all that we say and do."
Hymn Of The Day
"O Sons And Daughters Of The King"
Theme Of The Day: Faith In The Resurrected Lord
Gospel - Faith with sight - John 20:19--31
Lesson 1 - Faith that witnesses - Acts 2:14a, 22--32
Lesson 2 - Faith without sight - 1 Peter 1:3--9
This Sunday may be called Faith Sunday. The Lessons deal with faith. In the Gospel Thomas comes to faith. In Lesson 2 the early Christians have faith without ever having seen the risen Christ. Christians are witnessing to their faith that God raised up Jesus.
The theme of faith is most relevant to our day. According to one poll, faith in God decreased by ten percent in the past decade while faith in the devil increased by the same amount. In a poll by Psychology Today, 61 percent of 40,000 asked, "Does God exist?" Furthermore, much of the faith that exists today is a blind faith which indicates a lack of understanding of the nature of faith. Also, our scientific world makes faith difficult by its emphasis on physical, concrete evidence which supposedly proves reality. Science suggests that the only real thing is that which can be seen. Because they doubt, many people feel guilty and worry at their doubts. The preacher faces the challenge on this Sunday to show people how they can handle their doubts in the interest of faith.
THEOLOGICAL REFLECTIONS
Gospel: John 20:19--31
1. The resurrection body. Dr. Edward Hobbs, professor of New Testament at Berkeley's Graduate Theological Union, told a newspaper reporter, "He didn't know of one school there in which a significant part of the faculty would accept statements that Jesus rose physically from the dead or that Jesus was a divine being." The twofold nature of Jesus' resurrected body is evident here. It is a spiritual body which can enter a closed room. Because of this body, Jesus appears and disappears at will. On the other hand, Jesus had a physical body: He talks and is understood. His appearance is recognized. He shows his wounds that they might know he is the same person on the cross. This gives us an idea of the believer's body after death: A spiritual body with the characteristics of the physical body which make identification and communication possible.
2. Peace. "Peace be with you" was the salutation Jesus used each time as he approached the disciples. It is a gift of Christ - he gives it as a blessing. Peace is one of the gifts of the Spirit. It is not a man--made peace, but it comes as a by--product of a proper relationship with God through Jesus Christ. Peace results from a satisfactory relationship with God - humanity and God are in harmony. There is a wholeness, a oneness which eliminates any tension or friction.
3. Faith. Faith based upon evidence is the poorest form of faith. Faith really begins by believing when there is no reason or evidence to believe. No one can see God; faith is necessary for his existence to be believed. The faith in this passage is shallow, for the faith considered here is belief. Faith has deeper dimensions in terms of trust, commitment, and obedience. A corollary of faith is doubt which may be useful in attaining faith. Doubt is not unbelief or skepticism, but is questioning, seeking, searching. This kind of doubt can lead to faith which becomes an enlightened and intelligent faith.
Lesson 1: Acts 2:14a, 22--32
1. Death. There are two kinds of death. There is physical death - David dies and was buried (v. 29). The son of David was raised from the dead (v. 24). There is a natural, physical death which every person experiences. There is a spiritual death caused by separation from God. Jesus experiences two deaths on the cross: physical and spiritual death. "My God, why?" The resurrection deals with the second death, for the resurrection does not keep us from physically dying. Thus, while still alive in the body, we can experience the resurrection of life in Christ. "He who believes in me, though he dies, yet shall he live" (John 11:25). Nothing, not even death - says Paul - can separate us from the love of God in Christ.
2. "But God." In his Pentecost sermon, Peter blames the cross on people - "You crucified and killed by the hands of lawless men" (v. 23). The resurrection on the other hand, is the work of God (vv. 24, 32). Jesus did not rise on his own accord nor by his own power. The redemption of the world was the work of God. He used lawless men as instruments to put his Son on the cross. God, in his overruling providence, vindicates, glorifies, and exalts Jesus through the resurrection. It was all in the plan and foreknowledge of God (v. 23). Luke claims that David foretold the resurrection in Psalm 16. A person does his worst to God, "but God" does his best for the person.
Lesson 2: 1 Peter 1:3--9
1. Born again. Later in this letter Peter explains that Christians are born again through the Word. He is referring to the Word in baptism. In baptism we identify with Jesus' death and resurrection. It is a new birth into hope and a spiritual inheritance to be received in heaven. The source of the new birth is the mercy of God. The Spirit in the Word administered in baptism creates a new person.
2. Faith of a Christian. It is a faith in the risen Christ who has never been seen. It is a faith that is tested by suffering for the faith. Through faith salvation is received.
3. Basic elements of the Christian religion. (a) Hope through the resurrection - v. 3; (b) faith - v. 7; (c) love - v. 8. We begin with faith which is expressed in love. While believing and loving we have hope for heaven.
PREACHING POSSIBILITIES
Preaching During The Easter Season
In the new ecumenical lectionary Easter has changed from a Sunday (Easter Day) to a season. Sundays are now called "Sundays Of Easter" rather than "Sundays After Easter." This presents the preacher with certain problems.
1. How can he keep up the interest and activity of his people for the seven weeks of Easter? Easter can be a let--down. Easter 1 is known as "Low Sunday" because of the low attendance contrasted with the crowded Easter Sunday.
2. How can a preacher deal with the Easter theme seven weeks without being repetitious?
3. How does the ascension fit into the Easter season if Ascension Day (Thursday) is not observed with a service?
4. If Easter is celebrated for seven weeks, how does a preacher prepare his people for Pentecost? Jesus told the disciples to return to Jerusalem to pray for the Holy Spirit who came forty days later. Because of the lack of adequate preparation, Pentecost, in many churches, does not result in a fresh experience of the Spirit.
Three Lessons: Acts 2:14a, 22--32; 1 Peter 1:3--9; John 20:19--31
1. Faith's Evidence.
Need: "Seeing is believing" is a common slogan accepted by many. It is not universally true when it comes to believing in spiritual realities.
Outline: Consider the evidence of faith.
a. Faith is the evidence of the seen - Gospel.
b. Faith is the evidence of the unseen - Lesson 2 (v. 8).
c. Faith is evident in the church - Lesson 1.
2. What Faith Is All About.
Need: Though we talk constantly of faith and call ourselves believers, we do not really understand the meaning of the Christian faith.
Outline: In these Lessons we see -
a. The nature of faith as believing without seeing - Gospel.
b. The testing of faith by suffering - Lesson 2.
c. The practice of faith in the church - Lesson 1.
Gospel: John 20:19--31
1. Steps To Faith. 20:24--28
Need: How do we get from doubt to faith? This is the problem Thomas faced. In the Gospel we see the steps of progress to faith in the risen Lord.
Outline: To go from doubt to faith -
a. Doubt - v. 25.
b. Demonstration - v. 27. (Jesus shows his wounds.)
c. Declaration - v. 28. ("My Lord and my God.")
2. Where Faith Can Be Found. 20:19--31
Need: Where can one who wants to believe find faith? One answer is Thomas.
Outline: Where faith can be found -
a. In the church - v. 24. (Thomas was absent and did not see Jesus to believe.)
b. In the witness of the church - v. 25. (The other disciples told Thomas that Jesus was alive.)
c. In the confrontation with Christ - vv. 26--29.
3. Facing Up To Your Doubts. 20:24--29.
Need: In fear of being faithless, many with doubts refuse to admit them. Some feel guilty for having doubts. This sermon is needed to show how doubts can be used to build faith by emphasizing the positive values in Thomas' doubt.
Outline: To build your faith through doubt -
a. Be honest like Thomas was - v. 25.
b. Get firsthand experience like Thomas did - v. 27.
c. Be convinced by the evidence as Thomas was - v. 28.
Lesson 1: Acts 2:14a, 22--32
1. But God! 2:23--24
Need: Our people need to understand the overruling providence of God. We do our worst, and God changes it for the best. God does not prevent us from sinning but uses the sin for the good of humanity. This is a comfort to those who experience injustice and adversity. God is alive. He knows what is happening. He doesn't allow evil to triumph. We may put Christ to death, but God raises Christ to glory.
Outline: In this text we see -
a. The rebellion of man against God - v. 23.
b. God raising and vindicating his Son - v. 24.
1. Cain kills Abel, but God calls for an accounting.
2. Joseph is sold into slavery but God makes him prime minister.
3. The Egyptians enslave the Israelites but God delivers them.
2. According To The Plan. 2:23
Need: When a large project is undertaken to cover a long period of time, progress reports are often given, saying, "Everything is taking place according to plan." God had a plan of salvation which was completed in Jesus' death and resurrection. Christian people need to get the perspective of salvation history through the ages.
Outline: Salvation according to plan -
a. Noah - a new start for humanity.
b. Abraham - a new people for God.
c. Moses - a new start for an old people.
d. Jesus - the completion of the plan in the cross and empty tomb.
Lesson 2: 1 Peter 1:3--9
Faith On Earth? 1 Peter 1:3--9
Need: Jesus once asked, "When the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?" True faith is a very precious but scarce item today. The resurrection calls for faith in the risen Lord. Why is faith so precious? What does faith in the risen Christ produce for us? On this "Faith Sunday," we want to help people increase their faith.
Outline: The works of faith.
a. Faith gives us reason for hope - v. 3.
b. Faith enables us to love the unseen Christ - v. 8.
c. Faith sings for the joy of salvation - vv. 8, 9.
Lesson 1: Acts 2:14a, 22--32 (C, E)
According to God's plan and David's prophecy, Jesus was raised from the dead. This pericope is a part of Peter's Pentecost sermon. It is a sample of the early church's preaching, as Luke understood it, summarized in the crucifixion, resurrection, and fulfillment of prophecy. Peter emphasizes that what happened to Jesus was according to God's plan. He quotes Psalm 16 as a prophecy by David of the resurrection which was fulfilled. The disciples are witnesses to the fulfillment because of their encounters with the risen Lord.
Lesson 1: Acts 2:42--47 (RC)
See Easter 4, Common.
Lesson 2: 1 Peter 1:3--9 (C, RC, E)
Though they have not seen Jesus, Christians love, believe, and rejoice in Christ through their faith which brings them salvation. Today we begin a series from 1 Peter which continues through the Easter season. The letter is addressed to a second generation of Gentile Christians in Asia Minor who have not seen the risen Lord as the disciples did. They have been born again to a living hope through the resurrection. That hope is for the full revelation and their salvation when Christ returns. Until he comes, their faith will be tested by persecution. Though they have not seen Jesus, they love, believe in, and rejoice in him. Their faith brings salvation to them.
Gospel: John 20:19--31 (C, RC, E)
The appearance of the risen Christ turns Thomas' doubt to faith. On this "Low Sunday" we face the question, "How can one believe in the resurrection without a personal appearance of the risen Christ?" Mary Magdalene had her personal experience with the risen Lord, but Thomas, who was absent at the first assembly of the disciples, did not. The Gospel Lesson is of two parts. The first (vv. 19--23) gives us Jesus' appearance, his final commission, his peace, and the Spirit. It is the ascension and Pentecost wrapped into one day, Easter Sunday. We are to deal with the second section (vv. 24--29) today. Christ overcomes Thomas' doubt by a personal encounter, but Jesus declares that faith is not based on concrete evidence, but on trust of the Word proclaimed by others. The original ending of John's Gospel (vv. 30--31) gives his purpose in writing the book.
Psalm Of The Day
Psalm 16 (C) - "For thou dost not give me up to Sheol or let thy godly one see the Pit" (v. 10).
Psalm 118 (RC) - "O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his steadfast love endures forever" (v. 1).
Psalm 111 (E) - "Great are the works of the Lord" (v. 2).
Prayer Of The Day
"Almighty God, we have celebrated with joy the festival of our Lord's resurrection. Graciously help us to show the power of the resurrection in all that we say and do."
Hymn Of The Day
"O Sons And Daughters Of The King"
Theme Of The Day: Faith In The Resurrected Lord
Gospel - Faith with sight - John 20:19--31
Lesson 1 - Faith that witnesses - Acts 2:14a, 22--32
Lesson 2 - Faith without sight - 1 Peter 1:3--9
This Sunday may be called Faith Sunday. The Lessons deal with faith. In the Gospel Thomas comes to faith. In Lesson 2 the early Christians have faith without ever having seen the risen Christ. Christians are witnessing to their faith that God raised up Jesus.
The theme of faith is most relevant to our day. According to one poll, faith in God decreased by ten percent in the past decade while faith in the devil increased by the same amount. In a poll by Psychology Today, 61 percent of 40,000 asked, "Does God exist?" Furthermore, much of the faith that exists today is a blind faith which indicates a lack of understanding of the nature of faith. Also, our scientific world makes faith difficult by its emphasis on physical, concrete evidence which supposedly proves reality. Science suggests that the only real thing is that which can be seen. Because they doubt, many people feel guilty and worry at their doubts. The preacher faces the challenge on this Sunday to show people how they can handle their doubts in the interest of faith.
THEOLOGICAL REFLECTIONS
Gospel: John 20:19--31
1. The resurrection body. Dr. Edward Hobbs, professor of New Testament at Berkeley's Graduate Theological Union, told a newspaper reporter, "He didn't know of one school there in which a significant part of the faculty would accept statements that Jesus rose physically from the dead or that Jesus was a divine being." The twofold nature of Jesus' resurrected body is evident here. It is a spiritual body which can enter a closed room. Because of this body, Jesus appears and disappears at will. On the other hand, Jesus had a physical body: He talks and is understood. His appearance is recognized. He shows his wounds that they might know he is the same person on the cross. This gives us an idea of the believer's body after death: A spiritual body with the characteristics of the physical body which make identification and communication possible.
2. Peace. "Peace be with you" was the salutation Jesus used each time as he approached the disciples. It is a gift of Christ - he gives it as a blessing. Peace is one of the gifts of the Spirit. It is not a man--made peace, but it comes as a by--product of a proper relationship with God through Jesus Christ. Peace results from a satisfactory relationship with God - humanity and God are in harmony. There is a wholeness, a oneness which eliminates any tension or friction.
3. Faith. Faith based upon evidence is the poorest form of faith. Faith really begins by believing when there is no reason or evidence to believe. No one can see God; faith is necessary for his existence to be believed. The faith in this passage is shallow, for the faith considered here is belief. Faith has deeper dimensions in terms of trust, commitment, and obedience. A corollary of faith is doubt which may be useful in attaining faith. Doubt is not unbelief or skepticism, but is questioning, seeking, searching. This kind of doubt can lead to faith which becomes an enlightened and intelligent faith.
Lesson 1: Acts 2:14a, 22--32
1. Death. There are two kinds of death. There is physical death - David dies and was buried (v. 29). The son of David was raised from the dead (v. 24). There is a natural, physical death which every person experiences. There is a spiritual death caused by separation from God. Jesus experiences two deaths on the cross: physical and spiritual death. "My God, why?" The resurrection deals with the second death, for the resurrection does not keep us from physically dying. Thus, while still alive in the body, we can experience the resurrection of life in Christ. "He who believes in me, though he dies, yet shall he live" (John 11:25). Nothing, not even death - says Paul - can separate us from the love of God in Christ.
2. "But God." In his Pentecost sermon, Peter blames the cross on people - "You crucified and killed by the hands of lawless men" (v. 23). The resurrection on the other hand, is the work of God (vv. 24, 32). Jesus did not rise on his own accord nor by his own power. The redemption of the world was the work of God. He used lawless men as instruments to put his Son on the cross. God, in his overruling providence, vindicates, glorifies, and exalts Jesus through the resurrection. It was all in the plan and foreknowledge of God (v. 23). Luke claims that David foretold the resurrection in Psalm 16. A person does his worst to God, "but God" does his best for the person.
Lesson 2: 1 Peter 1:3--9
1. Born again. Later in this letter Peter explains that Christians are born again through the Word. He is referring to the Word in baptism. In baptism we identify with Jesus' death and resurrection. It is a new birth into hope and a spiritual inheritance to be received in heaven. The source of the new birth is the mercy of God. The Spirit in the Word administered in baptism creates a new person.
2. Faith of a Christian. It is a faith in the risen Christ who has never been seen. It is a faith that is tested by suffering for the faith. Through faith salvation is received.
3. Basic elements of the Christian religion. (a) Hope through the resurrection - v. 3; (b) faith - v. 7; (c) love - v. 8. We begin with faith which is expressed in love. While believing and loving we have hope for heaven.
PREACHING POSSIBILITIES
Preaching During The Easter Season
In the new ecumenical lectionary Easter has changed from a Sunday (Easter Day) to a season. Sundays are now called "Sundays Of Easter" rather than "Sundays After Easter." This presents the preacher with certain problems.
1. How can he keep up the interest and activity of his people for the seven weeks of Easter? Easter can be a let--down. Easter 1 is known as "Low Sunday" because of the low attendance contrasted with the crowded Easter Sunday.
2. How can a preacher deal with the Easter theme seven weeks without being repetitious?
3. How does the ascension fit into the Easter season if Ascension Day (Thursday) is not observed with a service?
4. If Easter is celebrated for seven weeks, how does a preacher prepare his people for Pentecost? Jesus told the disciples to return to Jerusalem to pray for the Holy Spirit who came forty days later. Because of the lack of adequate preparation, Pentecost, in many churches, does not result in a fresh experience of the Spirit.
Three Lessons: Acts 2:14a, 22--32; 1 Peter 1:3--9; John 20:19--31
1. Faith's Evidence.
Need: "Seeing is believing" is a common slogan accepted by many. It is not universally true when it comes to believing in spiritual realities.
Outline: Consider the evidence of faith.
a. Faith is the evidence of the seen - Gospel.
b. Faith is the evidence of the unseen - Lesson 2 (v. 8).
c. Faith is evident in the church - Lesson 1.
2. What Faith Is All About.
Need: Though we talk constantly of faith and call ourselves believers, we do not really understand the meaning of the Christian faith.
Outline: In these Lessons we see -
a. The nature of faith as believing without seeing - Gospel.
b. The testing of faith by suffering - Lesson 2.
c. The practice of faith in the church - Lesson 1.
Gospel: John 20:19--31
1. Steps To Faith. 20:24--28
Need: How do we get from doubt to faith? This is the problem Thomas faced. In the Gospel we see the steps of progress to faith in the risen Lord.
Outline: To go from doubt to faith -
a. Doubt - v. 25.
b. Demonstration - v. 27. (Jesus shows his wounds.)
c. Declaration - v. 28. ("My Lord and my God.")
2. Where Faith Can Be Found. 20:19--31
Need: Where can one who wants to believe find faith? One answer is Thomas.
Outline: Where faith can be found -
a. In the church - v. 24. (Thomas was absent and did not see Jesus to believe.)
b. In the witness of the church - v. 25. (The other disciples told Thomas that Jesus was alive.)
c. In the confrontation with Christ - vv. 26--29.
3. Facing Up To Your Doubts. 20:24--29.
Need: In fear of being faithless, many with doubts refuse to admit them. Some feel guilty for having doubts. This sermon is needed to show how doubts can be used to build faith by emphasizing the positive values in Thomas' doubt.
Outline: To build your faith through doubt -
a. Be honest like Thomas was - v. 25.
b. Get firsthand experience like Thomas did - v. 27.
c. Be convinced by the evidence as Thomas was - v. 28.
Lesson 1: Acts 2:14a, 22--32
1. But God! 2:23--24
Need: Our people need to understand the overruling providence of God. We do our worst, and God changes it for the best. God does not prevent us from sinning but uses the sin for the good of humanity. This is a comfort to those who experience injustice and adversity. God is alive. He knows what is happening. He doesn't allow evil to triumph. We may put Christ to death, but God raises Christ to glory.
Outline: In this text we see -
a. The rebellion of man against God - v. 23.
b. God raising and vindicating his Son - v. 24.
1. Cain kills Abel, but God calls for an accounting.
2. Joseph is sold into slavery but God makes him prime minister.
3. The Egyptians enslave the Israelites but God delivers them.
2. According To The Plan. 2:23
Need: When a large project is undertaken to cover a long period of time, progress reports are often given, saying, "Everything is taking place according to plan." God had a plan of salvation which was completed in Jesus' death and resurrection. Christian people need to get the perspective of salvation history through the ages.
Outline: Salvation according to plan -
a. Noah - a new start for humanity.
b. Abraham - a new people for God.
c. Moses - a new start for an old people.
d. Jesus - the completion of the plan in the cross and empty tomb.
Lesson 2: 1 Peter 1:3--9
Faith On Earth? 1 Peter 1:3--9
Need: Jesus once asked, "When the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?" True faith is a very precious but scarce item today. The resurrection calls for faith in the risen Lord. Why is faith so precious? What does faith in the risen Christ produce for us? On this "Faith Sunday," we want to help people increase their faith.
Outline: The works of faith.
a. Faith gives us reason for hope - v. 3.
b. Faith enables us to love the unseen Christ - v. 8.
c. Faith sings for the joy of salvation - vv. 8, 9.
