One of the greatest obstacles for people is how the Bible’s teachings connect in a meaningful way to everyday life. After all, The Bible is one volume with sixty-six books, written over 1,800 years by 36 different authors in primarily two languages (Greek and Hebrew). It also exists beyond time, language and cultural understanding. These complexities, at times, make the Bible very difficult to interpret and apply to our daily lives. However, there is also so much we share in common with Bible characters. Like them, we grieve, regret, fear and doubt. In Today’s message, How the Resurrection Meets Our Deepest Needs, John 20 records four responses to Jesus’ death and resurrection. One response is….
The Resurrection is for those with Shame
Let us look at Peter, one of Jesus’ disciples. Prior to the crucifixion, Peter is not only part of the inner circle of the disciples, he is the leader. He is fearless, impulsive and authentic. Peter often makes bold statements such as, “I will never deny you” (Matthew 26:35). When Jesus is threatened just before his arrest, Peter boldly draws a sword and slices off the ear of the high priest’s servant (John 18:10-12). However, we also see that Peter has a colossal failure when Jesus is being tried and Peter is warming himself by the fire. During this time, he is asked three times if he is a follower of Jesus. Twice Peter denies Jesus. The third time, Peter curses as a way of distancing himself from Him (Matthew 26:69-75). Can you imagine his remorse after doing this? Can you feel his burning guilt and shame? Over these next three days, the time between the denial and the resurrection, his mind is haunted due to these three denials. However, Peter’s story does not end there. John 20: 3-8 records Peter going to the tomb upon learning that it is empty. And, as we will see later in scripture, God uses Peter in a mighty way to build the early church.
Now, while many find Peter’s story to be a comfort, many more find that shame keeps them separated from God; the shame of a deed haunts, the regret of a conversation echoes or the lament of a thought lingers. Friend, Jesus both forgives the deed AND cleanses the conscience. Let us consider the following verses: “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though red like crimson, they shall become like wool” (Isaiah 1:18). Hebrews 9:14 goes on to state the following: “How much more the blood of Christ will purify your conscience from sinful deeds so that you can worship the living God”. Will you cling to the promise of these verses and allow the blood of Christ to cleanse your shame and purify your conscience? If so, the resurrection is for you!
To listen to or view this entire sermon, click on the following links: