Introduction: The “Extended Cut” Idea
Who here in church today—or watching at home—is a fan of superhero movies? Batman, Superman, DC, Marvel? If you’re a superfan, you might know the story of the “Snyder Cut.”
Back in 2017, during Comic Con, a plane flew over the San Diego Convention Center with a banner that read: “Release the Snyder Cut.” Fans wanted the original director’s full vision of Justice League, not the shorter version that had been released. Four years later, they got it—a four-hour version with all the details restored.
Some people want the full story, not the condensed version.
And that’s how it is with Jesus.
Many people think: Jesus was born (Christmas), he taught and did miracles, he died and rose again (Easter)—roll the credits. But the Bible tells us there’s more. After Easter, Jesus spent 40 days teaching his followers before returning to heaven.
Have you seen the “extended cut”?
The Big 3 Questions Jesus Answers
During those 40 days, Jesus repeatedly answered three of the biggest spiritual questions:
- Proof for your head – Is this actually true?
- Peace for your heart – Is forgiveness really for me?
- Purpose for your hands – What should I do now?
If you can answer those, you can live a vibrant Christian life.
Today, we see all three in a short passage from John 20.
Jesus Appears: Peace and Proof
On the evening of Easter, the disciples were gathered behind locked doors, afraid. Suddenly, Jesus stood among them and said:
“Peace be with you.”
They were stunned. People don’t just rise from the dead. So Jesus showed them his hands and his side—proof that it was really him. Then, once they believed, he said again:
“Peace be with you.”
First peace, then proof, then more peace.
Illustration: When the Head Gets in the Way
This reminds me of when I proposed to my girlfriend on an airplane.
I surprised her mid-flight, got down on one knee, and started speaking from the heart. But her head got in the way. She was confused:
“What—why are you—where’d you—what?”
I had to prove it was really me before she could receive what I was saying.
That’s what Jesus does. He speaks peace, gives proof, and then brings peace to the heart.
Transition: Focusing on Purpose
We’ve talked about proof and peace before—and we’ll talk more about them in the coming weeks. Today, we focus on the third piece:
Purpose.
Jesus says:
“As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.”
Our Mission: Talking About Sin and Forgiveness
Jesus sends us with the same mission he had—to save souls.
And what does that look like?
Talking to people about sin and forgiveness.
Everyone is a sinner:
“All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”
But not everyone sees sin the same way.
3 Ways People See Sin
1. Seeing Sin Too Lightly
Some people minimize or justify sin.
- “I’m a good person.”
- “At least I’m not as bad as others.”
- “They started it.”
They normalize sin and don’t take it seriously.
But if our sin put Jesus on the cross, can we really say it’s no big deal?
2. Seeing Sin Too Seriously
Others are crushed by their sin.
- “God could never forgive me.”
- “I’ve done too much.”
- “I don’t deserve heaven.”
They live in shame and can’t accept God’s grace.
3. Seeing Sin Biblically (The Truth)
The truth is in between:
- My sin is serious.
- I don’t deserve heaven.
- But God is gracious.
People who see sin biblically say:
“I am a sinner… but Jesus saved me.”
They repent and trust in Jesus.
The Authority to Forgive
Jesus says something shocking:
“If you forgive anyone’s sins, they are forgiven.”
We speak on behalf of Jesus:
- To the unrepentant: “You are not forgiven.”
- To the repentant: “You are forgiven.”
We open or close the message of heaven based on repentance and faith.
Illustration: Where Does Your Sin Go?
Think of sin like something you carry.
If you hold onto it, it remains on you—and judgment follows.
But when you trust in Jesus, your sin is sent away.
The Bible says it’s removed “as far as the east is from the west.”
Your sin is no longer on you—it’s at the cross.
So what is God angry at?
Not you. Your sin was already judged in Jesus.
Your Assignment: One Conversation
Here’s your challenge for the next 7 days:
Have one spiritual conversation.
Ask someone:
“Do you think you’re going to heaven? Why?”
You’ll quickly learn how they see sin.
Most people misunderstand it—even churchgoers.
Overcoming Fear
You might think:
“This is awkward. I don’t know what to say.”
But remember:
Jesus sent his disciples out immediately—not after years of training.
You don’t need a degree. Just share:
Sin is bad. Jesus is good.
The Power of the Holy Spirit
Jesus breathed on them and said:
“Receive the Holy Spirit.”
This echoes moments in the Old Testament where God brought life to what was dead.
The Spirit can do what you cannot.
So don’t assume people won’t listen—they just might.
The Joy of Purpose
Yes, it might not work.
People might say no.
But what if they don’t?
What if they listen? What if they believe?
Then you get to experience something incredible:
Helping bring someone from death to life.
Closing Prayer
We pray all these things in the mighty name of Jesus our savior, who taught us to pray, “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your Kingdom come, your will be done on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. For the Kingdom, the power and the glory are yours now and forever, Amen.”
Final Blessing
Now, brothers, sisters, go in peace, live in harmony with one another, and serve our Lord with gladness. Lord bless you and keep you, he will make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you, will look upon you with favor because of Jesus and may that give you peace. And all God’s people said? Amen.
