Supernatural Encounters with Jesus

“Supernatural Encounters with Jesus”
by Pastor Kent Munsey
May 16, 2021

Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord, and that he may send the Messiah, who has been appointed for you—even Jesus. Heaven must receive him until the time comes for God to restore everything, as he promised long ago through his holy prophets.

• Acts 3:19-21

In John 19, 20 and 21, we see the true nature of Jesus through supernatural encounters. Jesus has risen from the grave, and we see that he has personal encounters with his followers and their lives changing. 

In John 19:38, we learn that Joseph of Arimathea secretly followed Jesus Christ. If Joseph of Arimathea could talk to us today, he might encourage us that it is never too late to honor our personal convictions. When Joseph offered his tomb to Jesus, he had no idea what that would mean. Joseph of Arimathea had an encounter with Jesus that supernaturally changed him. 

All it takes is one encounter with Jesus to change our lives forever. Jesus visited Joseph after he was resurrected, and it changed his life. Joseph of Arimathea would say to us that if we want to encounter Jesus, his plan, his purpose, and live for a greater purpose; we must learn how to honor our personal convictions. 

1. Honor our personal convictions. 

We are living in a time where secret disciples and secret followers need to come out of hiding, a time when the world needs Jesus more than ever. We have the good news, and our world needs a fresh revelation of the love and grace of Jesus. Even though we have experienced this global pandemic, God always raises up a standard after the enemy comes in, and Jesus is going to show up in this next season. We are going to see a revival when we decide to be true to ourselves and honor our personal convictions. When we seek first the kingdom of heaven and God’s righteousness, all the things that we worry about will be provided for because the Lord knows what we need.

2. Slow down and step into the things of God. 

We need to learn to slow down and walk into the things that really matter. Peter was adamant that he would not deny Jesus the night that Jesus was crucified. But, Peter did exactly as Jesus said and denied him three times. The Bible says that he went out and wept bitterly. 

After the resurrection, Peter hears Jesus call him, and he jumps into the water. He had been out of step for too long. Now he was going to pursue Jesus without hesitation. He had become tired of his own emotions taking him in the opposite direction. He was ready to follow, serve, and believe Jesus. It gets exhausting always trying to challenge or doubt Jesus. Peter had been negotiating with Jesus from day one, but when he had the opportunity for a second chance, he ran toward him. So many times we miss what Jesus is saying because of our questions and fears. We need to slow down and step into the things of God. Simon Peter would encourage us to keep running to Jesus, even when we mess up or we think we've disqualified ourselves. 

3. Let go of the Jesus we have known and embrace the Jesus that is right in front of us. 

Mary Magdalene was back at the tomb lingering. Jesus was there, but she did not recognize him. She asked Jesus where he had taken the man who was buried here, assuming he was the gardener. Mary would encourage us that we need to let go of the Jesus we think we need and embrace the Jesus that is right in front of us. There is more to him than what we know. Sometimes we are looking for Jesus the healer when he wants us to experience him as the teacher. We often have an encounter with Jesus, but then we allow our experience of him to limit who we expect him to be for us. We should not allow what we know or what we've experienced to be all that we know or experience. We need to open our spiritual eyes to see a Jesus that's already there. 

4. Jesus is available, and we can trust him. 

Thomas is often remembered for doubting Jesus. After the resurrection, Jesus shows up and responds with kindness to Thomas’ doubts by letting him see and touch his scars. In this encounter with Thomas, Jesus shows that he can be trusted. He listens, and he is kind.

What we see from these encounters with the disciples is that Jesus is available. He is not just an on-time God but a make-time God. He makes time for us and is available to talk through the change that he is leading us in.

Reflection/Discussion Questions:

1. How can you honor your personal convictions more openly and share your faith this week? 

2. In what way can you slow down this week so that you can step into the presence and purposes of God?

3. How is Jesus showing up for you in this season? How have you experienced him in the past, and how is he revealing himself in your life now? 

4. In what area of your life do you feel called to trust Jesus more?