Series: Signs & Glory

Title: “What Difference Does the Resurrection Make?"

Scripture: John 11:25-26

John 20:19-22

Bottom line: The resurrection gives us power for today and hope for tomorrow.

INTRODUCTION

CONTEXT

SERMON OUTLINE

CONCLUSION

NOTES

OUTLINES

QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

MAIN REFERENCES USED

Opening prayer: Lord God, help us grow to be and do like Jesus, while abiding in him and leading others to do the same.

INTRODUCTION

How to Pray with Power by Nicky Gumbel

"I received a call from someone in our church. He wanted me to go and pray for his wife who had suddenly been admitted to hospital for an operation. 

As it happened, I myself had an appointment nearby to have an injection in my shoulder. I’d had a ‘frozen shoulder’ for almost two years. However, in the previous couple of days, it had suddenly got better. I explained what had happened to the consultant. He looked at me and said, ‘It’s a miracle!’ I said, ‘Don’t frozen shoulders suddenly get better?’ Over and over again, he repeated, ‘No, it is a miracle.’ Here was a secular doctor trying to persuade a rather faithless pastor that what had happened could only be explained by the supernatural power of God!

I thanked him very much for raising my faith, as I was about to go and pray in the hospital. As I walked through the corridors, I passed a hospital porter who was singing (quite loudly!), ‘Lay your hands on the sick and they will be healed.’ I said, ‘That is exactly what I am about to go and do.’ He looked deeply shocked and surprised. He obviously didn’t think I looked like the sort of person who could possibly believe that!

I went upstairs to pray for the woman and explained why my faith was riding high. She then said she had been reading James 5 (our passage for today), which says, ‘Is any one of you sick? Call the elders of the church to pray over you… And the prayer offered in faith will make you well’ (James 5:14 –15). By now the Lord had given (even me!) enough signs to pray in faith. The Holy Spirit came upon her with great power. She was not immediately healed (although she is better now), but it gave me a greater understanding of ‘the prayer of faith’.

Watchman Nee wrote, ‘Our prayers lay the track down which God’s power can come. Like a mighty locomotive, his power is irresistible, but it cannot reach us without rails.’"

Bible in One Year 2020 With Nicky Gumbel: Day 325 • Devotional

Bottom line: The resurrection gives us power for today and hope for tomorrow.

“What Difference Does the Resurrection Make?”

Answer: It gives us power for today and hope for forever.

Big Idea: The resurrection of Jesus isn’t just a belief—it’s power for your real life.

First, Jesus reveals himself further to his disciples by announcing that he is the resurrection and the life.

I. "I am the resurrection and the life" - Jesus says he's life; his power is unstoppable

Jesus isn't just alive--he's life itself.

Death is only defeated by life.

Second, Jesus appears in his resurrection body to the cowering disciples following his resurrection.

He gives them his personal presence to overcome their fear, peace in the midst of chaos, their mission as the broken to the broken, and His Holy Spirit and resurrection power over darkness and evil.

1. Jesus shows up helping them overcome their fear. (John 20:19 )

“The doors were locked where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews.”

Context: The disciples were terrified—Jesus was dead, they were next.

But then: Jesus enters locked rooms. Resurrection power doesn’t need your permission—it comes through fear.

Application:

Where are you hiding? What fear is keeping you locked up?

If Jesus can enter that room, He can enter yours—your anxiety, your regret, your trauma.

2. Jesus Gives Peace in the midst of chaos. (John 20:19 , 21)

“Jesus said to them, ‘Peace be with you.’”

He doesn’t say “Everything’s fine.” He says, “I’m here.”

Peace is not the absence of trouble—it’s the presence of Jesus.

Application:

What if peace isn’t about getting out of your situation, but inviting Jesus into it?

Resurrection means your circumstances don’t get the last word.

3. Jesus restores their mission as the broken to the broken. (John 20:21 )

“As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.”

These are the same guys who abandoned Him—but He still calls them.

The resurrection doesn’t just restore life—it restores calling.

Application:

Have you disqualified yourself in your own mind?

Jesus doesn’t just forgive your past—He commissions your future.

4. Jesus Gives You His Spirit and resurrection power over darkness and evil. (John 20:22 )

“He breathed on them and said, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit.’”

The same breath that filled Adam with life in Genesis now fills disciples with resurrection power.

Application:

This isn’t about trying harder to live better. It’s about receiving the life only He can give.

The Holy Spirit is resurrection applied—personal, powerful, present.

Conclusion: “Do You Believe This?” (John 11:26 )

Back to John 11, Jesus asks Martha, "Do you believe this?"

Jesus asked Martha that question before He raised Lazarus.

He’s asking you the same question today.

Bottom line: The resurrection gives us power for today and hope for tomorrow.

In September 2019 I was in a coaching cohort led by pastor and author Mike Breen. He was challenging us to imitate Peter's last healing (Acts) where he said, "Jesus heals you." (Instead of seeing himself as the healer)

In preparation for that day's cohort, I wrote the following things I think would change in my life if I lived as if the sky had opened up and the resurrection power of God was available to me like it was to Jesus:

I’d teach and preach with more authority given to me by Jesus Messiah

I’d rely more on the Holy Spirit believing that he connects me with heaven.

I’d be more likely to pray for healing over anyone—even a stranger.

I’d be more evangelistically bold. I would assume that God will be putting opportunities in front of me over and over again to lead people to Christ. 

I would spend more extended time in prayer early in the morning/late at night.

I would take more mini-retreats.

I would gather with the saints for prayer more often and less formally.

I’d fast and pray more.

I would find myself more in the harvest than I am. Away from the church building and amongst the people. Especially needy people. The least, last and lost.

I would be less concerned with the things of this world. I would live simply and not pursue trivial pursuits.

I would be more about making disciples and less about building the church (though in making disciples I will build the Church).

I would be more kingdom-minded. 

I’d constantly be looking for people of peace.

I’d live fearlessly.

I’d walk in truth, wisdom and love.

I’d have a spirit of power, love and self-control. (2 Tim 1:7)