Expository Thoughts On Luke - Luke 24:36-43
J.C. Ryle expounds on the gracious and forgiving nature of Christ’s post-resurrection appearance, emphasizing His peace and mercy toward His disciples despite their failings.
In this expository sermon on Luke 24:36-43, J.C. Ryle explores the profound mercy and peace Jesus extends to His disciples after His resurrection. Despite their earlier failures and fears, Christ greets them with words of peace and forgiveness, demonstrating the boundless love of God. Ryle highlights the significance of Christ’s grace in restoring His followers and calls believers to embrace that same peace and mercy in their lives.
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JESUS APPEARS TO THE DISCIPLES
We should observe in this passage the singularly gracious words with which our Lord introduced Himself to His disciples after His resurrection. We read that He suddenly stood in the midst of them and said, "Peace be unto you."
This was a wonderful saying when we consider the men to whom it was addressed. It was addressed to eleven disciples, who three days before had shamefully forsaken their Master and fled. They had broken their promises. They had forgotten their professions of readiness to die for their faith. They had been scattered, "every man to his own," and left their Master to die alone. One of them had even denied Him three times. All of them had proved backsliders and cowards. And yet behold the return which their Master makes to His disciples! Not a word of rebuke is spoken. Not a single sharp saying falls from His lips. Calmly and quietly He appears in the midst of them, and begins by speaking of peace. "Peace be unto you!"
We see, in this touching saying, one more proof that the love of Christ "passes knowledge." It is His glory to pass over a transgression. He "delights in mercy." He is far more willing to forgive than men are to be forgiven, and far more ready to pardon than men are to be pardoned. There is in His almighty heart an infinite willingness to put away man\
Sermon Outline
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I
- The sudden appearance of Jesus to His disciples
- The greeting of peace despite their failures
- The significance of Christ’s mercy and forgiveness
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II
- The disciples’ shame and abandonment
- Their broken promises and denial
- Christ’s refusal to rebuke but to restore
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III
- The infinite love and mercy of Christ
- The glory of passing over transgressions
- The readiness of Christ to forgive beyond human willingness
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IV
- The peace Christ brings to troubled hearts
- The assurance of His resurrection
- The call to trust in His mercy and peace
Key Quotes
“Not a word of rebuke is spoken. Not a single sharp saying falls from His lips.” — J.C. Ryle
“It is His glory to pass over a transgression. He delights in mercy.” — J.C. Ryle
“He is far more willing to forgive than men are to be forgiven, and far more ready to pardon than men are to be pardoned.” — J.C. Ryle
Application Points
- Trust in the peace that Christ offers even when you feel unworthy due to past failures.
- Embrace Christ’s mercy and forgiveness as a source of restoration and hope.
- Extend grace and forgiveness to others as Christ has done for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Jesus say 'Peace be unto you' to His disciples?
Jesus greeted His disciples with peace to comfort and reassure them despite their earlier failures and fears.
How did the disciples fail Jesus before His resurrection?
They abandoned Him, fled in fear, and one even denied Him three times.
Did Jesus rebuke His disciples when He appeared to them?
No, Jesus showed mercy and forgiveness instead of rebuke.
What does this passage teach about Christ’s love?
It shows that Christ’s love is infinitely merciful and willing to forgive beyond human expectations.
How can believers apply this message today?
Believers can find assurance in Christ’s peace and forgiveness, even when they feel unworthy.