1 00:00:00,390 --> 00:00:03,810 Speaker 1: Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. 2 00:00:04,750 --> 00:00:08,889 Speaker 1: The old things have passed away. Behold, all things have 3 00:00:08,910 --> 00:00:16,570 Speaker 1: become new. 2 Corinthians 5.17 Dear Lord, You are the 4 00:00:16,770 --> 00:00:21,790 Speaker 1: author of life. Because of Your resurrection, we don't need 5 00:00:21,829 --> 00:00:24,750 Speaker 1: to be tethered to the old lives of sin, shame, 6 00:00:24,970 --> 00:00:29,750 Speaker 1: and vices. You have raised us up with You, given 7 00:00:29,820 --> 00:00:34,660 Speaker 1: us your spirit, and made us alive. Lord, when the 8 00:00:34,920 --> 00:00:38,580 Speaker 1: old us creeps back into our lives, seeking to drag 9 00:00:38,620 --> 00:00:42,300 Speaker 1: us down, would you remind us of our victory in 10 00:00:42,380 --> 00:00:46,800 Speaker 1: Christ and the power of your spirit? We are new 11 00:00:46,900 --> 00:00:52,269 Speaker 1: creations in Christ. Give us the wisdom and endurance to 12 00:00:52,370 --> 00:00:59,610 Speaker 1: live into that identity. In Jesus' name, amen. Thank you 13 00:00:59,650 --> 00:01:03,850 Speaker 1: for praying with me today. You're listening to the Jesus Podcast. 14 00:01:04,610 --> 00:01:09,130 Speaker 1: Sagas from the gospel told like never before. Remain here 15 00:01:09,310 --> 00:01:13,510 Speaker 1: to immerse yourself in the drama and wonder of Christ's story. 16 00:01:14,270 --> 00:01:18,500 Speaker 1: Follow this podcast on whatever platform you're listening to. Doing 17 00:01:18,560 --> 00:01:21,860 Speaker 1: so will keep you updated, but also help us get 18 00:01:21,900 --> 00:01:25,839 Speaker 1: discovered by more people. We want the story of Jesus 19 00:01:26,140 --> 00:01:30,350 Speaker 1: to be known throughout the world. Thanks for making that possible. 20 00:01:32,910 --> 00:01:36,190 Speaker 1: In the latest hours, after the last light of dusk 21 00:01:36,290 --> 00:01:40,670 Speaker 1: fell over the horizon, the disciples huddled within a locked house, 22 00:01:41,510 --> 00:01:47,050 Speaker 1: ensnared by shadows. The brutal crucifixion of Jesus loomed over 23 00:01:47,090 --> 00:01:52,090 Speaker 1: them like a storm cloud. The coward, trapped in a 24 00:01:52,230 --> 00:01:57,380 Speaker 1: tumult of fear and despair. Their hopes were dashed when 25 00:01:57,440 --> 00:02:01,380 Speaker 1: Jesus died, Even with rumors of his return, their resolve 26 00:02:01,580 --> 00:02:06,100 Speaker 1: was shaken. Mary and the other women had declared it true, 27 00:02:06,180 --> 00:02:11,049 Speaker 1: yet there was still no proof. They were tightly wound, 28 00:02:11,790 --> 00:02:18,040 Speaker 1: suspended in a space between faith and fear. Peter hadn't 29 00:02:18,080 --> 00:02:20,220 Speaker 1: told the rest of the apostles what he had seen. 30 00:02:21,460 --> 00:02:24,970 Speaker 1: His shame played tricks on his mind, causing him to 31 00:02:25,030 --> 00:02:29,570 Speaker 1: doubt whether he had even seen Jesus at all. Restless 32 00:02:30,050 --> 00:02:34,190 Speaker 1: and burdened, Matthew attempted to etch down his memories of Jesus. 33 00:02:35,570 --> 00:02:39,130 Speaker 1: But grief clouded his mind, making each word a struggle, 34 00:02:39,889 --> 00:02:43,950 Speaker 1: a battle against the overwhelming tide of sorrow. The parchment 35 00:02:44,070 --> 00:02:48,180 Speaker 1: bore the brunt of his frustration. The disciples, drawn together 36 00:02:48,600 --> 00:02:54,100 Speaker 1: by a shared unspoken grief, congregated silently around the fireplace. 37 00:02:55,220 --> 00:02:59,600 Speaker 1: Their house in Galilee, typically a haven, now felt like 38 00:02:59,639 --> 00:03:04,550 Speaker 1: a temple for their shattered dreams. Each attempt at conversation 39 00:03:05,510 --> 00:03:09,750 Speaker 1: ended in a poignant reminder of their loss. Amidst their 40 00:03:09,830 --> 00:03:15,600 Speaker 1: silent vigil, the topic of Jesus' possible resurrection arose, stirring 41 00:03:15,639 --> 00:03:23,380 Speaker 1: a tumult of emotions. Skepticism battled hope. Faith wrestled with reason. 42 00:03:24,800 --> 00:03:29,760 Speaker 1: As they wrestled with these things, urgent footsteps and a 43 00:03:29,840 --> 00:03:32,459 Speaker 1: forceful knock suddenly pierced the somber air. 44 00:03:35,260 --> 00:03:38,100 Speaker 2: What does it mean to have peace? Is peace the 45 00:03:38,210 --> 00:03:42,150 Speaker 2: absence of conflict? Is it having comfortable, easy, and cushy lives? 46 00:03:42,830 --> 00:03:45,230 Speaker 2: Is it that there's never any struggle or all of 47 00:03:45,290 --> 00:03:49,180 Speaker 2: our dreams magically come true? Of course not. That type 48 00:03:49,240 --> 00:03:52,160 Speaker 2: of peace is a false promise, and don't listen to 49 00:03:52,220 --> 00:03:56,100 Speaker 2: any preacher that promises it. No, the peace Jesus offers 50 00:03:56,470 --> 00:03:59,630 Speaker 2: is more potent and meaningful than a comfy life. It's 51 00:03:59,670 --> 00:04:03,950 Speaker 2: a life of purpose. Welcome back to the Jesus Podcast. 52 00:04:04,350 --> 00:04:07,030 Speaker 2: The month of April has been dedicated to exploring the 53 00:04:07,070 --> 00:04:10,270 Speaker 2: dramatic story of the resurrection. So far, there have been 54 00:04:10,350 --> 00:04:13,070 Speaker 2: only glimpses of the risen Jesus. He has yet to 55 00:04:13,150 --> 00:04:16,490 Speaker 2: fully reveal himself to his disciples. But now, as his 56 00:04:16,550 --> 00:04:20,630 Speaker 2: disciples are huddled together in fear, He finally arrives. Let's 57 00:04:20,670 --> 00:04:21,110 Speaker 2: dive in. 58 00:04:23,550 --> 00:04:27,669 Speaker 1: The knock was quick and frantic. Simon the Zealot, dagger 59 00:04:27,710 --> 00:04:32,990 Speaker 1: in hand, cautiously approached the door. He sighed and opened it. 60 00:04:34,760 --> 00:04:38,859 Speaker 1: Relief flooded the room as Andrew entered, disheveled and burdened. 61 00:04:39,200 --> 00:04:42,190 Speaker 3: I just got back from the marketplace and the synagogue courtyard. 62 00:04:42,950 --> 00:04:45,770 Speaker 3: Nobody knows what has happened to his body, Andrew murmured. 63 00:04:46,620 --> 00:04:48,870 Speaker 1: He sat down and buried his face in his hands. 64 00:04:49,770 --> 00:04:52,790 Speaker 3: There are rumors floating around that we took his body. 65 00:04:53,610 --> 00:04:56,250 Speaker 3: It's only a matter of time before the Romans investigate us. 66 00:04:57,250 --> 00:04:58,690 Speaker 4: We have to be ready. 67 00:04:59,070 --> 00:05:02,170 Speaker 1: To leave, Simon said with his grip still tight on 68 00:05:02,210 --> 00:05:05,089 Speaker 1: the hilt of his blade. He had given up the 69 00:05:05,130 --> 00:05:07,450 Speaker 1: way of the dagger when he chose to follow Jesus. 70 00:05:08,480 --> 00:05:12,800 Speaker 1: But now, with so much uncertainty, he found comfort in 71 00:05:12,839 --> 00:05:17,240 Speaker 1: having it around. All of the disciples felt their pasts 72 00:05:17,480 --> 00:05:22,320 Speaker 1: coiling around them like a serpent. If Jesus was dead, 73 00:05:23,580 --> 00:05:27,940 Speaker 1: so was the hope tethering them to righteousness. Simon pursed 74 00:05:27,980 --> 00:05:30,080 Speaker 1: his lips and furrowed his brow. 75 00:05:30,560 --> 00:05:35,840 Speaker 4: Brothers, we have to consider all our options. Things could 76 00:05:35,880 --> 00:05:40,120 Speaker 4: turn ugly quickly. We don't want to be caught off guard. 77 00:05:40,960 --> 00:05:45,880 Speaker 4: We must discuss leaving this place, perhaps Samaria. somewhere the 78 00:05:45,920 --> 00:05:47,680 Speaker 4: Romans would never expect us to be. 79 00:05:48,380 --> 00:05:50,679 Speaker 1: There is nowhere we can go where Rome cannot reach, 80 00:05:51,480 --> 00:05:52,560 Speaker 1: Matthew said anxiously. 81 00:05:53,100 --> 00:05:54,900 Speaker 4: The Romans can search us all they want. 82 00:05:55,500 --> 00:05:57,580 Speaker 2: We don't have his body, so what could they do 83 00:05:57,620 --> 00:05:58,349 Speaker 2: without proof? 84 00:05:59,230 --> 00:06:03,270 Speaker 1: Simon clenched his jaw and slammed his palms against the table. 85 00:06:04,190 --> 00:06:07,190 Speaker 4: You were a tax collector and a friend to the Romans, 86 00:06:07,790 --> 00:06:11,190 Speaker 4: so naturally you would say that. But I have seen 87 00:06:11,230 --> 00:06:15,900 Speaker 4: the cruelty of those Roman animals. They don't need proof 88 00:06:15,940 --> 00:06:20,110 Speaker 4: of anything. Just look what they did to our master. Simon, 89 00:06:20,270 --> 00:06:21,210 Speaker 4: calm down. 90 00:06:22,010 --> 00:06:23,029 Speaker 1: Andrew said patiently. 91 00:06:23,529 --> 00:06:25,130 Speaker 3: Matthew has done nothing wrong. 92 00:06:25,589 --> 00:06:29,230 Speaker 4: He's done nothing but scribble on his parchment since Jesus died. 93 00:06:29,680 --> 00:06:32,339 Speaker 4: All of us have been sitting on our hands. All 94 00:06:32,380 --> 00:06:36,040 Speaker 4: the while the Pharisees are spreading lies that could get 95 00:06:36,100 --> 00:06:37,859 Speaker 4: us killed. Enough, Simon. 96 00:06:38,500 --> 00:06:42,520 Speaker 1: Peter rebuked, finally standing up from his seat to defend Matthew. 97 00:06:42,880 --> 00:06:44,609 Speaker 4: We are in this together. 98 00:06:45,360 --> 00:06:48,040 Speaker 1: Simon stepped closer and scoffed at Peter. 99 00:06:48,400 --> 00:06:49,180 Speaker 4: No, we aren't! 100 00:06:49,870 --> 00:06:50,350 Speaker 1: He stabbed. 101 00:06:51,810 --> 00:06:54,530 Speaker 4: You have barely said a word to us, Peter. You've 102 00:06:54,570 --> 00:06:57,890 Speaker 4: been stewing in silence ever since you returned from his gravesite. 103 00:06:58,810 --> 00:07:02,740 Speaker 4: What aren't you telling us? Some rock you are. You're 104 00:07:02,760 --> 00:07:04,279 Speaker 4: going to drag us all down with you. 105 00:07:04,860 --> 00:07:08,640 Speaker 1: Peter quickly stepped toward Simon, and the two stood face 106 00:07:08,680 --> 00:07:12,780 Speaker 1: to face in anger. Andrew stood up to defend his brothers. 107 00:07:13,450 --> 00:07:17,330 Speaker 1: and Matthew argued in defense of his writing. The entire 108 00:07:17,370 --> 00:07:22,920 Speaker 1: room soon erupted in arguments. Accusations and frustrated grunts bounced 109 00:07:22,980 --> 00:07:25,680 Speaker 1: off the walls, drowning out the sound of a new 110 00:07:25,740 --> 00:07:29,660 Speaker 1: figure who appeared in the corner of the room. Then, 111 00:07:29,820 --> 00:07:33,560 Speaker 1: breaking through the thick veil of frustration and fear, a 112 00:07:33,670 --> 00:07:39,270 Speaker 1: familiar voice whispered, Peace be with you. Startled, the disciples 113 00:07:39,370 --> 00:07:42,890 Speaker 1: looked to the corner of the room. There was in 114 00:07:42,970 --> 00:07:48,230 Speaker 1: humble splendor, was Jesus. He wore the same clothes as 115 00:07:48,290 --> 00:07:52,070 Speaker 1: the night of his arrest, the same smile curled up 116 00:07:52,150 --> 00:07:56,190 Speaker 1: the side of his cheeks, and his hazel eyes gazed 117 00:07:56,270 --> 00:08:01,200 Speaker 1: at them with familiar warmth and wisdom. Yet there was 118 00:08:01,260 --> 00:08:06,960 Speaker 1: something profoundly different about him. He was draped in splendor. 119 00:08:08,240 --> 00:08:15,890 Speaker 1: Holiness emanated from him. like the rising of the ocean's tide. Disbelief, awe, 120 00:08:16,070 --> 00:08:20,370 Speaker 1: and fear collided as the disciples struggled to comprehend this 121 00:08:20,490 --> 00:08:26,860 Speaker 1: miraculous apparition. John, overcome by emotion, approached Jesus first. 122 00:08:27,240 --> 00:08:28,660 Speaker 3: Master, is that. 123 00:08:30,240 --> 00:08:31,180 Speaker 2: Can it really be? 124 00:08:31,840 --> 00:08:34,939 Speaker 1: He fell at Jesus' feet and pressed his face against 125 00:08:35,000 --> 00:08:38,920 Speaker 1: his robe. Simon looked at Jesus and then at the 126 00:08:38,970 --> 00:08:43,460 Speaker 1: dagger strapped to his side. He felt ashamed and delighted 127 00:08:43,780 --> 00:08:47,870 Speaker 1: all at once and tossed it aside before falling at Jesus' 128 00:08:47,900 --> 00:08:52,569 Speaker 1: feet beside John. The rest of the apostles, all except 129 00:08:52,590 --> 00:08:56,449 Speaker 1: for Thomas, who was absent, and Peter, who stood motionless 130 00:08:56,490 --> 00:09:02,470 Speaker 1: near the window, bowed before him. Peter was still anchored 131 00:09:02,490 --> 00:09:07,410 Speaker 1: to his shame, unable to move toward him. The room 132 00:09:07,610 --> 00:09:12,090 Speaker 1: erupted in a cacophony of joy, laughter, and tears as 133 00:09:12,150 --> 00:09:19,360 Speaker 1: the disciples celebrated the impossible. Their king, their Messiah, was alive. 134 00:09:21,179 --> 00:09:24,400 Speaker 1: Jesus knelt down to all of them and embraced them 135 00:09:24,460 --> 00:09:28,760 Speaker 1: like a father would his children. His smile was a 136 00:09:28,840 --> 00:09:33,920 Speaker 1: balm to their wounded souls. All the anxious anger and 137 00:09:34,059 --> 00:09:40,110 Speaker 1: sorrow melted under the warmth of his presence. He held 138 00:09:40,170 --> 00:09:44,880 Speaker 1: their shoulders and gripped them tightly. The wounds on his 139 00:09:44,940 --> 00:09:49,959 Speaker 1: hands were still there, evidence of his battle with death 140 00:09:50,260 --> 00:09:55,589 Speaker 1: and darkness, and proof of his victory. Peace be with you, 141 00:09:56,270 --> 00:10:00,150 Speaker 1: he said again, his voice radiating divine love. As the 142 00:10:00,190 --> 00:10:04,050 Speaker 1: Father has sent me, even so I am sending you. 143 00:10:04,720 --> 00:10:08,760 Speaker 1: He had all of the disciples stand. Then in an 144 00:10:08,920 --> 00:10:11,580 Speaker 1: act that echoed the days of creation with Adam and 145 00:10:11,679 --> 00:10:16,020 Speaker 1: Eve in the Garden of Eden, Jesus exhaled a large 146 00:10:16,179 --> 00:10:21,250 Speaker 1: breath and said, Receive the Holy Spirit. At that moment, 147 00:10:22,200 --> 00:10:26,179 Speaker 1: the disciples were like Adam when God first formed him 148 00:10:26,460 --> 00:10:31,360 Speaker 1: from the dust of the earth. He breathed life into them, 149 00:10:32,380 --> 00:10:38,429 Speaker 1: filling them with new purpose for the days ahead. The disciples' 150 00:10:38,490 --> 00:10:42,290 Speaker 1: hearts and minds were open to the divine truth, and 151 00:10:42,309 --> 00:10:47,660 Speaker 1: their understanding of the scriptures was enlightened. They realized that 152 00:10:47,760 --> 00:10:53,880 Speaker 1: Jesus was the cornerstone of God's grand narrative, present from 153 00:10:53,920 --> 00:10:59,780 Speaker 1: the beginning, working tirelessly for humanity's redemption. If you forgive 154 00:10:59,820 --> 00:11:03,280 Speaker 1: the sins of any, they are forgiven them. If you 155 00:11:03,300 --> 00:11:07,760 Speaker 1: withhold forgiveness from any, it is withheld. Jesus said this, 156 00:11:08,460 --> 00:11:12,720 Speaker 1: and his eyes darted over to Peter. Then, without warning 157 00:11:13,040 --> 00:11:21,080 Speaker 1: or pretense, he vanished. As Jesus disappeared, Peter's anguish surged. 158 00:11:22,520 --> 00:11:26,830 Speaker 1: He had missed another chance for redemption, his opportunity to repent. 159 00:11:28,390 --> 00:11:32,890 Speaker 1: The disciples were left in a whirlwind of emotion, awed 160 00:11:32,950 --> 00:11:37,970 Speaker 1: by the miracle they had witnessed, yet brimming with questions unanswered. 161 00:11:45,630 --> 00:11:49,559 Speaker 2: In John 14, 27, Jesus said this, Peace I leave 162 00:11:49,600 --> 00:11:52,140 Speaker 2: with you, my peace I give to you. I do 163 00:11:52,200 --> 00:11:54,960 Speaker 2: not give you peace as the world gives. Do not 164 00:11:55,000 --> 00:11:57,400 Speaker 2: let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. 165 00:11:58,120 --> 00:12:00,940 Speaker 2: The peace Jesus offers is different from the peace the 166 00:12:01,000 --> 00:12:05,380 Speaker 2: world offers. The peace of Jesus is long-lasting and independent 167 00:12:05,450 --> 00:12:09,050 Speaker 2: of troubles and struggles. The peace Jesus gives us is 168 00:12:09,190 --> 00:12:11,489 Speaker 2: a calm in the midst of the storm and an 169 00:12:11,630 --> 00:12:15,130 Speaker 2: anchor that holds us down when the winds and waves rage. 170 00:12:16,070 --> 00:12:20,370 Speaker 2: Peace is not the absence of the storm. Peace is 171 00:12:20,429 --> 00:12:23,990 Speaker 2: the presence of Jesus in the storm. Peace is not 172 00:12:24,030 --> 00:12:27,319 Speaker 2: the absence of conflict. It's the presence of Jesus in 173 00:12:27,600 --> 00:12:30,620 Speaker 2: the conflict. Do you see what this is? Do you 174 00:12:30,660 --> 00:12:33,440 Speaker 2: see what Jesus is offering us? He is not offering 175 00:12:33,480 --> 00:12:36,740 Speaker 2: us a cushy life apart from the world. He's offering 176 00:12:36,880 --> 00:12:40,860 Speaker 2: us a way to be effective in the world. The disciples, 177 00:12:41,040 --> 00:12:44,510 Speaker 2: lost and confused from the previous week's events, were stuck. 178 00:12:45,059 --> 00:12:48,420 Speaker 2: But piercing through the darkness, the resurrected Jesus spoke to them. 179 00:12:48,800 --> 00:12:51,490 Speaker 2: And his first words to them? Peace be with you. 180 00:12:52,150 --> 00:12:54,250 Speaker 2: I love that this was the first thing that Jesus 181 00:12:54,309 --> 00:12:57,450 Speaker 2: told them. People without peace will desperately hold on to 182 00:12:57,590 --> 00:13:02,000 Speaker 2: anything for stability. Substance, vice, relationships, work. All of these 183 00:13:02,040 --> 00:13:05,000 Speaker 2: things are coping mechanisms when we feel out of control 184 00:13:05,360 --> 00:13:08,560 Speaker 2: or anxious. But none of those things, whether it be 185 00:13:08,580 --> 00:13:10,570 Speaker 2: a substance, whether it be a habit, whether it be 186 00:13:10,610 --> 00:13:13,310 Speaker 2: a vice or a relationship, None of those things are 187 00:13:13,450 --> 00:13:17,630 Speaker 2: able to steady our unruly souls. Before Jesus visits his disciples, 188 00:13:17,730 --> 00:13:20,330 Speaker 2: it's apparent that none of them have any peace. They're 189 00:13:20,370 --> 00:13:23,410 Speaker 2: almost vibrating in place. They're not able to go anywhere, 190 00:13:23,510 --> 00:13:27,960 Speaker 2: but they're somehow not able to rest either. They're frenetic, anxious, 191 00:13:28,020 --> 00:13:31,939 Speaker 2: and reeling in fear. Matthew is anxiously scribbling on some parchment. 192 00:13:32,320 --> 00:13:35,179 Speaker 2: Peter is brooding in a corner in regret. Andrew is 193 00:13:35,220 --> 00:13:38,280 Speaker 2: keeping himself busy. And Simon is planning for the worst 194 00:13:38,320 --> 00:13:42,050 Speaker 2: while growing irritated and anxious. We gave Simon more dialogue 195 00:13:42,080 --> 00:13:44,760 Speaker 2: in this episode to reveal how the disciples may have 196 00:13:44,860 --> 00:13:48,180 Speaker 2: felt during this time. Simon was a zealot, a member 197 00:13:48,200 --> 00:13:51,439 Speaker 2: of the notorious group of assassins known as the Dagger Men. 198 00:13:52,040 --> 00:13:55,500 Speaker 2: Before following Jesus, Simon was taught to be vigilant, aloof, 199 00:13:55,580 --> 00:13:58,510 Speaker 2: and ready to run at a moment's notice. The presence 200 00:13:58,530 --> 00:14:01,309 Speaker 2: of his dagger in this episode is an icon. It 201 00:14:01,390 --> 00:14:04,790 Speaker 2: symbolizes a profound truth for you and I. When we 202 00:14:04,850 --> 00:14:09,230 Speaker 2: are consumed by fear, our old habits of self-preservation can 203 00:14:09,250 --> 00:14:12,510 Speaker 2: begin to resurface. Simon had put down the dagger when 204 00:14:12,530 --> 00:14:15,290 Speaker 2: he started to follow Jesus, but now that Jesus is 205 00:14:15,390 --> 00:14:18,610 Speaker 2: gone and he's afraid, he picks up the dagger again. 206 00:14:19,370 --> 00:14:22,090 Speaker 2: We all have coping mechanisms, bad habits, or past sins 207 00:14:22,370 --> 00:14:24,650 Speaker 2: that bring us comfort in times of stress and anxiety. 208 00:14:25,150 --> 00:14:27,990 Speaker 2: Perhaps you keep yourself busy like Matthew and Andrew. Perhaps 209 00:14:28,050 --> 00:14:31,190 Speaker 2: you shut everyone out like Peter. Or, like Simon, you 210 00:14:31,210 --> 00:14:33,530 Speaker 2: start to pick up the lifestyle you had sworn you 211 00:14:33,550 --> 00:14:36,120 Speaker 2: would never go back to. Whether it's a habit, sin, 212 00:14:36,160 --> 00:14:38,300 Speaker 2: or substance, we all have things that we want to 213 00:14:38,380 --> 00:14:42,220 Speaker 2: run to when we feel anxious and afraid. Today, I 214 00:14:42,520 --> 00:14:46,600 Speaker 2: want to encourage you to run to Jesus. Jesus calls 215 00:14:46,660 --> 00:14:50,000 Speaker 2: us out of those old coping mechanisms. He doesn't preach 216 00:14:50,070 --> 00:14:53,290 Speaker 2: peace to us. He declares it over us as a reality. 217 00:14:53,710 --> 00:14:56,570 Speaker 2: Peace be with you. He doesn't want us to have 218 00:14:56,690 --> 00:15:00,350 Speaker 2: a fleeting experience of bliss. He wants peace to be 219 00:15:00,370 --> 00:15:04,570 Speaker 2: with us like a companion, walking with us through trial, fire, 220 00:15:04,790 --> 00:15:09,260 Speaker 2: and despair. He wants peace to be our enduring identity. 221 00:15:09,260 --> 00:15:13,760 Speaker 2: 2 Corinthians 5.17 says this, Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, 222 00:15:13,820 --> 00:15:16,360 Speaker 2: he is a new creation. The old has passed away. Behold, 223 00:15:16,380 --> 00:15:19,380 Speaker 2: the new has come. Whoever puts their faith in Jesus 224 00:15:19,900 --> 00:15:23,300 Speaker 2: is a new creation. The old habits, sins, substances, and 225 00:15:23,340 --> 00:15:27,190 Speaker 2: coping mechanisms that once defined us have passed away. You're 226 00:15:27,210 --> 00:15:30,760 Speaker 2: a new person in Christ Jesus. That is what happened 227 00:15:30,800 --> 00:15:34,700 Speaker 2: to the disciples when they saw Jesus. They became new. 228 00:15:35,460 --> 00:15:38,140 Speaker 2: Jesus wrapped them in his arms. But then he did 229 00:15:38,220 --> 00:15:42,750 Speaker 2: something that seems peculiar. To a passive reader, Jesus' actions 230 00:15:42,830 --> 00:15:44,970 Speaker 2: at this point go past the unique and into the 231 00:15:45,010 --> 00:15:49,220 Speaker 2: downright gross. It says that Jesus gathered them to himself 232 00:15:49,630 --> 00:15:52,940 Speaker 2: and then breathed on them. That's right. He breathed on them. 233 00:15:53,510 --> 00:15:56,010 Speaker 2: This might seem odd at first glance, but this moment 234 00:15:56,090 --> 00:16:00,690 Speaker 2: is packed with profound biblical significance. Let's go all the 235 00:16:00,730 --> 00:16:03,200 Speaker 2: way back to Genesis. Do you remember what happened in 236 00:16:03,250 --> 00:16:06,760 Speaker 2: Genesis when God formed Adam out of the dust? Genesis 237 00:16:06,760 --> 00:16:09,900 Speaker 2: 2 tells us that when God created Adam, he formed 238 00:16:09,960 --> 00:16:12,240 Speaker 2: him out of the dirt and the dust, but then 239 00:16:12,520 --> 00:16:16,140 Speaker 2: he breathed life into him. God gave Adam his spirit, 240 00:16:16,460 --> 00:16:20,630 Speaker 2: the breath of life. This was the first creation. When 241 00:16:20,690 --> 00:16:24,210 Speaker 2: Jesus breathed on the disciples and said, receive the Holy Spirit, 242 00:16:24,550 --> 00:16:27,930 Speaker 2: he was mirroring the creation story. The old has passed. 243 00:16:28,330 --> 00:16:31,550 Speaker 2: The way of Adam, sin, darkness is gone. The new 244 00:16:31,590 --> 00:16:35,470 Speaker 2: has come. The way of Jesus, salvation, and light is here. 245 00:16:36,210 --> 00:16:39,910 Speaker 2: These disciples are no longer walking in the patterns of Adam. 246 00:16:40,550 --> 00:16:44,330 Speaker 2: They are now new creations in Christ Jesus. The old man, Adam, 247 00:16:44,590 --> 00:16:48,090 Speaker 2: brought us destruction, darkness, and shame. But the new man, Jesus, 248 00:16:48,150 --> 00:16:51,860 Speaker 2: brings us life, light, and purpose. Jesus breathed on these 249 00:16:51,920 --> 00:16:54,700 Speaker 2: disciples and said, receive the Holy Spirit, but they aren't 250 00:16:54,740 --> 00:16:58,150 Speaker 2: quite sure what that means yet. Oh, but they soon will. 251 00:16:58,570 --> 00:17:01,810 Speaker 2: The Holy Spirit is going to come with fire and passion, 252 00:17:02,150 --> 00:17:04,550 Speaker 2: and it's going to embolden these disciples who are once 253 00:17:04,770 --> 00:17:08,189 Speaker 2: cowering in fear to now be courageous and bold. But 254 00:17:08,210 --> 00:17:10,640 Speaker 2: there's still one apostle who has yet to see Jesus, 255 00:17:11,060 --> 00:17:13,100 Speaker 2: one who happened to be absent during this time, and 256 00:17:13,119 --> 00:17:17,000 Speaker 2: that's Thomas. Church history has given Thomas a notorious nickname, 257 00:17:17,340 --> 00:17:20,859 Speaker 2: Doubting Thomas, but I think that's an unfair title. In 258 00:17:20,880 --> 00:17:23,000 Speaker 2: our next episode, Thomas is going to wrestle with doubt 259 00:17:23,100 --> 00:17:25,540 Speaker 2: and the need for evidence. But all that doubt melts 260 00:17:25,600 --> 00:17:28,020 Speaker 2: away when he beholds the risen King. Thank you for 261 00:17:28,060 --> 00:17:31,119 Speaker 2: joining me for today's episode of the Jesus Podcast. If 262 00:17:31,160 --> 00:17:33,440 Speaker 2: this podcast has offered value to your life, I would 263 00:17:33,480 --> 00:17:35,730 Speaker 2: love it if you left a review. Let us know 264 00:17:35,830 --> 00:17:39,230 Speaker 2: how all these resurrection stories have impacted you. And follow 265 00:17:39,250 --> 00:17:41,270 Speaker 2: the podcast so you never have to miss an episode. 266 00:17:41,690 --> 00:17:44,590 Speaker 2: And download the Pray.com app today for more inspiring stories 267 00:17:44,650 --> 00:17:46,070 Speaker 2: and wisdom to last a lifetime.