Introduction:    After an encounter with the Lord Jesus these men changed direction and were heading to where the sun was rising. What can cause the transformation from sadness to gladness…from pouting to shouting? Hope had been regained! Some are here today without hope because of despair (examples). (Illus: you came today walking toward the setting of the sun). But, my friend there is hope in Jesus! The key to having power with God that will see you through the dark times of life is having hope in a Christ that is not in a tomb, but is alive forevermore! Three things that the Lord has done to give you hope.

I.          HE FORGIVES OUR FAILURES (VV.33-35)

One of the first that failed was the one of the first Jesus looked for. Isn’t it amazing how quick that the Lord wants to give man back his self-respect. Jesus is in the encouraging business, the God of the fresh start and the God of the second chance. How do we fail the Lord? When we fail:

            A.        To Keep Our Promises (v.34)

Even though Simon left Jesus, Jesus never left him! Many times we don’t keep our promises, but there is always hope to return to Jesus, there’s always hope for a fresh start and a second chance.

            B.        To Stand Up For Him

At school; at work; at home; even at church

            C.       To See Jesus In Everyday Experiences (v.35)

Many times we experience the Lord in the everyday experiences of life! God is a God of forgiveness! (Illus: come over here and let me put a big loving on you).

II.        HE UNDERSTANDS OUR FEARS (VV.36-38)

Jesus knew that they would be afraid before He appeared to them and was ready to give them what they needed when they needed it. We need God’s peace! Notice there’s two kinds of God’s peace.

            A.        Peace With God

            B.        Peace Of God      

III.       HE ACCOMMODATES OUR FRAILTIES (VV.39-42)

            A.                God Understands Our Weakness

God is not looking for super Christian…He understands our weakness…when we are weak His strong!

            B.        God Confirms His Presence

(Illus: Jesus ate fish and honey…I’ll eat fajitas and a honey bun).

Conclusion:     Have you lost hope? Jesus didn’t come to earth just to die; He came to give you a life filled with hope!