Jesus Appears with Scars, an Appetite and A Mandate

  • Pastor Josh Smith
Have you ever wondered how Jesus’ resurrection impacts your daily life? In this message, we explore the profound significance of Jesus appearing with scars, sharing a meal, and giving a mandate to His disciples. Discover how these elements reveal His love, power, and purpose for us today.

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Jesus Appears with Scars, an Appetite and A Mandate

Message Summary
Have you ever wondered how Jesus’ resurrection impacts your daily life? In this message, we explore the profound significance of Jesus appearing with scars, sharing a meal, and giving a mandate to His disciples. Discover how these elements reveal His love, power, and purpose for us today.
Key Scripture
As they were talking about these things, Jesus himself was suddenly standing there among them. “Peace be with you,” he said. But the whole group was startled and frightened, thinking they were seeing a ghost! “Why are you frightened?” he asked. “Why are your hearts filled with doubt? Look at my hands. Look at my feet. You can see that it’s really me. Touch me and make sure that I am not a ghost, because ghosts don’t have bodies, as you see that I do.” As he spoke, he showed them his hands and his feet. Still they stood there in disbelief, filled with joy and wonder. Then he asked them, “Do you have anything here to eat?” They gave him a piece of broiled fish, and he ate it as they watched. Then he said, “When I was with you before, I told you that everything written about me in the law of Moses and the prophets and in the Psalms must be fulfilled.” Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures. And he said, “Yes, it was written long ago that the Messiah would suffer and die and rise from the dead on the third day. It was also written that this message would be proclaimed in the authority of his name to all the nations, beginning in Jerusalem: ‘There is forgiveness of sins for all who repent.’ You are witnesses of all these things. And now I will send the Holy Spirit, just as my Father promised. But stay here in the city until the Holy Spirit comes and fills you with power from heaven.”
Luke 24:36-49 NLT
Additional Scriptures

5 Day Devotional

Day 1

Day 1: The Reality of the Resurrection

Scripture: Luke 24:36-43 NLT
As they were talking about these things, Jesus himself was suddenly standing there among them. “Peace be with you,” he said. But the whole group was startled and frightened, thinking they were seeing a ghost! “Why are you frightened?” he asked. “Why are your hearts filled with doubt? Look at my hands. Look at my feet. You can see that it’s really me. Touch me and make sure that I am not a ghost, because ghosts don’t have bodies, as you see that I do.” As he spoke, he showed them his hands and his feet. Still they stood there in disbelief, filled with joy and wonder. Then he asked them, “Do you have anything here to eat?” They gave him a piece of broiled fish, and he ate it as they watched.

Devotional:
The resurrection of Jesus is not just a spiritual concept but a physical reality. When Jesus appeared to His disciples, He offered them peace and tangible proof of His resurrection by showing His scars and eating with them. This encounter reassured the disciples of His real presence and the truth of His victory over death. In our own lives, Jesus offers us peace and invites us to experience His presence in tangible ways.

Response Questions:

  1. How does the physical resurrection of Jesus impact your faith?
  2. In what ways have you experienced Jesus’ peace in your life?
  3. How can you be more aware of Jesus’ presence in your daily routine?

Prayer Points:

  1. Pray for a deeper understanding and appreciation of the reality of Jesus’ resurrection.
  2. Ask for the peace of Christ to fill your heart and mind, especially in times of doubt.

Day 2

Day 2: The Significance of Scars

Scripture: Isaiah 53:3-5 NLT
He was despised and rejected— a man of sorrows, acquainted with deepest grief. We turned our backs on him and looked the other way. He was despised, and we did not care. Yet it was our weaknesses he carried; it was our sorrows that weighed him down. And we thought his troubles were a punishment from God, a punishment for his own sins! But he was pierced for our rebellion, crushed for our sins. He was beaten so we could be whole. He was whipped so we could be healed.

Devotional:
Jesus’ scars are a testament to His love and sacrifice. They remind us of the price He paid for our sins and the healing He offers. In keeping His scars, Jesus shows us that our wounds can also be transformed into testimonies of His grace and power. Our scars tell stories of redemption and hope, pointing others to the healing found in Christ.

Response Questions:

  1. What do Jesus’ scars mean to you personally?
  2. How have your own scars or past wounds been used by God for His glory?
  3. How can you share your story of healing with others?

Prayer Points:

  1. Thank God for the sacrifice of Jesus and the healing His scars represent.
  2. Pray for the courage to share your story of redemption and healing with others.

Day 3

Day 3: The Joy of Communion

Scripture: John 21:9-14 NLT
When they got there, they found breakfast waiting for them—fish cooking over a charcoal fire, and some bread. “Bring some of the fish you’ve just caught,” Jesus said. So Simon Peter went aboard and dragged the net to the shore. There were 153 large fish, and yet the net hadn’t torn. “Now come and have some breakfast!” Jesus said. None of the disciples dared to ask him, “Who are you?” They knew it was the Lord. Then Jesus served them the bread and the fish. This was the third time Jesus had appeared to his disciples since he had been raised from the dead.

Devotional:
Jesus delights in sharing meals with His followers, symbolizing fellowship and communion. In this post-resurrection appearance, Jesus invites His disciples to breakfast, demonstrating His desire for relationship and community. Sharing a meal with Jesus is a reminder of His provision and the joy of being in His presence. As we gather with others, we can experience His presence and extend His love through hospitality and fellowship.

Response Questions:

  1. How does sharing a meal with others reflect the heart of Jesus?
  2. In what ways can you cultivate a spirit of hospitality and community in your life?
  3. How can you be intentional about inviting Jesus into your daily interactions and meals?

Prayer Points:

  1. Pray for opportunities to share meals and fellowship with others, reflecting Jesus’ love.
  2. Ask for a heart that seeks and values community and relationship with others.

Day 4

Day 4: The Mandate of the Message

Scripture: Matthew 28:18-20 NLT
Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

Devotional:
Jesus’ mandate to His disciples is clear: go and make disciples of all nations. This Great Commission is not just for the original disciples but for all who follow Jesus. We are called to share the message of repentance and forgiveness, empowered by the Holy Spirit. As we live out this mandate, we can trust in Jesus’ promise to be with us always, guiding and strengthening us in our mission.

Response Questions:

  1. How do you feel about the responsibility of the Great Commission in your own life?
  2. What are some practical ways you can share the message of Jesus with others?
  3. How does knowing Jesus is with you always impact your willingness to share the Gospel?

Prayer Points:

  1. Pray for boldness and wisdom in sharing the message of Jesus with others.
  2. Ask for the Holy Spirit’s guidance and empowerment as you live out the Great Commission.

Day 5

Day 5: The Power of the Holy Spirit

Scripture: Acts 1:4-8 NLT
Once when he was eating with them, he commanded them, “Do not leave Jerusalem until the Father sends you the gift he promised, as I told you before. John baptized with water, but in just a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.” So when the apostles were with Jesus, they kept asking him, “Lord, has the time come for you to free Israel and restore our kingdom?” He replied, “The Father alone has the authority to set those dates and times, and they are not for you to know. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

Devotional:
The promise of the Holy Spirit is a gift of power and presence for every believer. Jesus instructed His disciples to wait for the Holy Spirit, knowing that they would need His strength and guidance to fulfill their mission. The Holy Spirit empowers us to be witnesses of Jesus, equipping us to share His love and truth with the world. As we rely on the Holy Spirit, we can confidently live out our faith and impact those around us.

Response Questions:

  1. How have you experienced the power of the Holy Spirit in your life?
  2. In what areas do you need the Holy Spirit’s guidance and strength?
  3. How can you be more intentional about seeking the Holy Spirit’s presence daily?

Prayer Points:

  1. Pray for a fresh filling of the Holy Spirit, empowering you to live boldly for Jesus.
  2. Ask for sensitivity to the Holy Spirit’s leading in your daily life and interactions.

Opening Prayer

Begin with a prayer, inviting the Holy Spirit to guide your discussion and open hearts to the message of Jesus’ resurrection and its implications for our lives.

Icebreaker

  • Question: Share a memorable scar you have and the story behind it.
  • Purpose: This will help the group connect personally with the theme of scars and stories, setting the stage for deeper discussion.

Discussion Questions

  1. Question: What is the significance of Jesus appearing with scars after His resurrection?
    • Context: The sermon highlighted that Jesus chose to keep His scars as a perpetual reminder of His sacrifice and the fulfillment of prophecy. His scars are a testament to His love and the peace and healing He offers.
    • Follow-up: How do Jesus’ scars impact your understanding of His love and sacrifice for you?
  2. Question: Why do you think Jesus asked for food and ate in front of His disciples?
    • Context: The sermon pointed out that Jesus eating with His disciples demonstrated His physical resurrection and His delight in simple, human experiences. It reassured the disciples of His real presence.
    • Follow-up: How does this aspect of Jesus’ resurrection body give you hope for the future?
  3. Question: How can we apply the mandate Jesus gave to His disciples in our own lives?
    • Context: The sermon emphasized that Jesus’ mandate to preach repentance and forgiveness is for all His followers. We are called to share the Gospel with His authority and through the power of the Holy Spirit.
    • Follow-up: What are some practical ways you can share the message of Jesus in your daily life?
  4. Question: How do you handle doubts in your faith journey, and what can we learn from the disciples’ reaction to Jesus’ appearance?
    • Context: The sermon discussed the disciples’ initial doubt mixed with joy and wonder. Jesus met them in their doubts, offering peace and proof of His resurrection.
    • Follow-up: How can we cultivate a posture of joy and wonder even in seasons of doubt?
  5. Question: Reflect on a time when you experienced Jesus’ peace or healing in a personal way. How did it change you?
    • Context: The sermon encouraged us to recognize where Jesus’ scars have met us in our lives, bringing peace and healing.
    • Follow-up: How can sharing these testimonies strengthen our faith and the faith of others?

Scripture Reflection

  • Read Luke 24:36-49 NLT together as a group.
  • Reflection: Discuss how this passage reinforces the themes of the sermon and what stands out to each person.

Closing Prayer

Conclude with a prayer, thanking God for His presence and asking for courage and wisdom to live out the mandate of sharing His message of repentance and forgiveness.

Additional Resources

  • Encourage group members to read the additional scriptures provided for further study and reflection.
  • Suggest listening to the sermon again or sharing it with others who might benefit from its message.