Waiting Day 12 Victorious Patience: Digging Deeper
Digging Deeper Days
Finding the original intent of Scripture and making good application to our everyday lives as we become equipped to correctly handle the Word of Truth!
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The Questions
John 20:19-20
19 When it was evening on that first day of the week, the disciples were gathered together with the doors locked because they feared the Jews. Jesus came, stood among them, and said to them, “Peace be with you. 20 Having said this, he showed them his hands and his side. So the disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord.”
Original Intent
1) What events had preceded the gathering of the disciples that evening? (verse 19)
Their Master, the one called Jesus, had died three days before. John tells us what happened in John 19:16-19 . “When they took Jesus away. Carrying the cross by Himself, He went out to what is called Place of the Skull, which in Aramaic is called Golgotha. There they crucified Him and two others with Him, one on either side, with Jesus in the middle. Pilate also had a sign made and put on the cross. It said: Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews.” Jesus had walked alongside most of those who had gathered for three years in ministry. Some had known Him all His life like His half-siblings and mother. He had been their teacher and had shown them the way to God. (John 14:9) Even though the kings and prophets of old had foretold the events of Jesus’ death and resurrection (Psalm 22:1 and Isaiah 53), even those who followed Jesus had misunderstood. Together with the crowd who often followed Jesus, they had continued to believe He would bring an earthly kingdom to help them escape Roman oppression. (Matthew 21:9-11) Even the disciples closest to Jesus had misinterpreted His kingdom. (Matthew 20:20-22, Mark 10:38-40) There were moments His close friends had seemed to be willing to die with Jesus in a rebellion against Roman tyranny. (Mark 14:46-47) But this was not the way of the Messiah. He tried to explain it to them repeatedly, but it was hard to hear and understand when their thinking was focused on a different end goal. (John 14-16) His death likely stunned many of them even though He had told them several times He would soon die. (Matthew 16:21-23, Mark 8:31-32, Mark 9:30-32, Luke 9:21-22) Some friends had indicated Jesus was now alive, and as they gathered, they surely wondered about all these things. (John 20:3-10) Waiting.
2) Why did the disciples fear the Jews? (verse 19)
Jewish traditions surrounding death give us insight into cultural customs that may be unfamiliar to us. “Following the death of a family member, Jewish families observe strict Jewish mourning traditions. The purpose of these traditions is to allow for a full expression of grief.” (Jewish Mourning Customs) Study help on verse 19 says, “the fact that the disciples locked the doors is a perfectly understandable reaction to the events of the past few days.” Likely perplexed by all the events, they had gathered behind securely fastened doors. Possibly they were discussing the women’s reported sighting of angels, or what Peter, John, and Mary had witnessed. Even though Jesus had told Mary He would meet them in Jerusalem (Matthew 28:5-7), they appeared to be hiding from Jewish leaders. The text says they locked the doors “because they feared the Jews.” Though there is much to possibly speculate, we must not conclude more than in this scene. They may have feared other threats, but we know for certain they were afraid of their own people, the Jews, because that’s what Scripture records. Yet there also seems to be a unity being formed among this group. They were “gathered.” They hadn’t run away, dispersing to hide in solitude. Neither had their anxiety driven them to flee Jerusalem. There must have been something about this day that prompted them to be together despite their fear. Was it the hope that maybe there was more to the story? Saints of old had come to believe there was more. (Luke 2:25-26, 38) What had been happening for hundreds of years was now happening in that very room. Glimpses of hope collided with anxious thoughts and agonizing recollections of the last few days. Was Jesus really alive? Was He the Messiah they had longed for? Waiting.
3) What did Jesus offer the anxious group and what was their response? (verse 20) “Jesus came, stood among them, and said…” (verse 19) This is unbelievable! Jesus was suddenly present. The variety of reports had most assuredly affected those gathered in that room, but now their shock and skepticism were replaced with a fierce hope. Their Master was WITH them. And He offered them peace from their fear and worry. Did they flash back to that last meal with Him when He washed their feet? This was the One who loved them so well. I appreciate how this scene provides insight into the effectiveness of Jesus’ prayer for them. “The world hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. I am not praying that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth… I am in them and You are in Me, so that they may be made completely one, that the world may know you have sent Me and have loved them as You have loved Me.” (John 17:14-26) Guzik reminds us “It was good that the disciples stayed together. Jesus told them that when He departed they must love one another, which assumes that they would stay together. He also prayed for their unity after their departure. This command was fulfilled, and prayer was answered in the days immediately after His crucifixion.” (EnduringWord.com) Jesus spoke to them, He showed them His wounds, and He comforted them by His present nearness. They had been waiting, it was hope deferred. Now Jesus was present, it was Hope alive.
Everyday Application
1) What events had preceded the gathering of the disciples that evening? (verse 19)
Scripture tells us Joseph of Arimathea was a member of the Sanhedrin. After Jesus’ death, Joseph risked his reputation, and possibly his life, to go to the Roman governor, Pilate, requesting Jesus’ body. (Luke 23:50-52, John 19:38) Sometimes when we wait, we find ourselves conflicted. We may fear the future, but we also recall the past and know we’ve experienced something extraordinary about Jesus. As was Jewish custom, Joseph wrapped Jesus’ body. Because it was nearly the Sabbath, he couldn’t complete the full burial process, so he hurriedly placed Him in one of his own tombs, fulfilling Isaiah’s prophecy in Isaiah 53:9. Considering how often Old Testament stories include trusting God while waiting, it’s no wonder the theme of waiting is continued after Jesus’ death. Those who had watched Jesus closely in the days leading up to His death had much to consider. As the saints of God continue to wait for Jesus’ final and ultimate return, we can all relate to the disciples’ fear and confusion. In these days of chaos and unknowns, we are tempted to huddle together with other believers and lock the door. Yet, at the same time, we know. We’ve witnessed in our own souls the power of the resurrection! Like Simeon, the Spirit has revealed to us the truth about our future. He could never have waited so patiently in faith without the Holy Spirit’s power and wisdom. (Luke 2:25-32) Expectant hope has always been supernatural. Sister, as we seek to partner together through the Word and prayer, we are jointly cultivating a habit of patience by trusting God’s Word and the work of the Spirit in our lives. Although waiting is often difficult, hopeful patience is not unattainable. Let’s confess our anxious hearts for the Spirit within us is producing patience in our waiting! (Galatians 5:22-23)
2) Why did the disciples fear the Jews? (verse 19)
People who put their hope in Jesus are growing into being people of eager expectation. The world is scary. We can’t know for sure that our faith in Jesus will be met with receptivity as we live it out and share it with others. We have all seen the hatred and anger some have toward the gospel message and the truth of Jesus. Yet we continue to serve and love those around us with an eye turned toward heaven and our glorious future. We are people who daily live with a longing and assurance that our hope will become realized. The Old and New Testaments are full of promises about the return of Jesus Christ. Of the 260 chapters in the New Testament, there are more than 300 references to the Lord’s return. For every prophecy regarding the first appearing of Christ as man, there are eight on His second appearing as Judge and King. (preceptaustin.org) This should give you reason to rejoice, my sweet friend. There will be days you wake up with anxious thoughts. You’ll have to fight your fear. Personally, the last month has been a brutal season of waiting for me. Yet I have resolved to know that Jesus is real and near even when my humanity cries out in pain. Where are you, Jesus?! You promised Your presence in the waiting, but You feel so far. The disciples could not have known how very close Jesus actually was. They knew what appeared to be. Then suddenly everything was different in the room. Emmanuel. God with us. “Peace be with you, my daughter” Jesus says to our souls. “Remember, I am WITH you. Always and to the end of the age.” (Mathew 28:20)
3) What did Jesus offer the anxious group and what was their response? (verse 20)
Jesus was indeed alive. And His word for them was, PEACE. Years ago, a song came on the Christian music scene that portrayed the possible angst of Peter, one of Jesus’ disciples. It describes well the feeling we all may have at one time or another as we wait for Jesus to show up and speak peace to our weary souls. As you consider its words, be encouraged that the nearness of the same Savior is available to each of us if we reach out in faith!
Back inside the house again the guilt and anguish came.
Everything I’d promised Him just added to my shame.
When at last it came to choices I’d denied I knew His name.
Even if He was alive it wouldn’t be the same.
Suddenly the air was filled with strange and sweet perfume.
Light that came from everywhere drove shadows from the room.
Jesus stood before me with His arms held open wide.
And I fell down on my knees and just clung to Him and cried.
He raised me to my feet and as I looked into His eyes.
Love was shining out from Him like sunlight from the skies.
Guilt in my confusion disappeared in sweet release, and every fear I’d ever had just melted into peace.
He’s alive.
(He’s Alive, by Don Francisco)
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Digging Deeper is for Everyone!
1) Take this passage (or any other passage).
2) Read it, and the verses around it,
several times
3) Write down your questions
as you think of them.
4) Ask specific culture related questions and be ready to dig around for your answers. Google them, use www.studylight.org, or look them up in a study Bible and read the footnotes (click on the little letters next to a word and it will show you
other related verses!). (www.esvbible.org)
5) Check your applications with other trusted Christians that you are in community with and embrace the fullness of God
in your everyday!
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Why Dig Deeper?
Finding the original meaning is a huge deal when we study Scripture and can make all the difference in our understanding as we apply God’s truths to our everyday lives.
In our modern-day relationships, we want people to understand our original intention as we communicate; how much more so between God and humanity?!
Here’s a little bit more on why we take Digging Deeper so seriously.
Study Tools
We love getting help while we study and www.studylight.org is one of many excellent resources, providing the original Hebrew (Old Testament) or Greek (New Testament) with an English translation.
Want to know more about a specific word in a verse? Click on “Strong’s Interlinear Bible” then click the word you’d like to study. Discover “origin”, “definition” and hear the original pronunciation – That Is Awesome!
Want more background? Click “Study Tools”, then pick a few commentaries to read their scholarly approach, keeping in mind that just because a commentary says it, doesn’t mean it’s true. (just like the internet :-))
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