“Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures,”        1 Corinthians 15:3

 The early church focused on the Resurrection, but why was it so critical? Let’s go back to the empty tomb and take a glimpse into the scenes after the cross.

Sunday morning was a gloomy, terrible and painful day for the 11 apostles who had put all their hopes in Jesus, the Messiah. They witnessed His death, crucified like a common criminal! They saw the mockery, the beatings, the flogging and the crown of thorns placed on his blessed head. They could not forget that awful cry from the cross, “My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?” Matthew 27:46. It still rang in their ears. Jesus was dead, the awful realization was just beginning to sink in.

In spite of his boasting, Peter was overwhelmed with shame and grief at his denial. (Matthew 26:69-75) Mary Magdalene saw Him die and could not believe it! The Lord had cast 7 demons out of her and now He was dead? Incredible! Every disciple fled for their lives! Maybe they would be next! They had sacrificed their jobs, reputations and families to follow their Messiah, Jesus Christ. They felt hopeless, it was the death of a dream!

Can you imagine the impact the cross had on the disciples? They had been slow to believe all that Jesus had told them about the fact of his death and resurrection after 3 days. Jesus had told them about His coming crucifixion, but they were more interested in who would be greatest in the Kingdom. When He asked them to watch and pray before His arrest, they fell asleep! That night, when Jesus was arrested, they ran for their lives! They didn’t seem like bold men of action who were chosen to change the world! What made the difference?

What turned this group of cowards into a courageous band of followers? What would cause a skeptic like Thomas who said, “Unless I see the nail marks in His hands….I will not believe” to suddenly exclaim, “My Lord and my God!” (John 20:24-29) It was the resurrection that changed everything! “If Christ has not been raised your faith is futile, you are still in your sins,” 1 Corinthians 15:17. Jesus appeared on 12 different occasions over a 40 day period to a variety of people: to Peter, Mary Magdalene, 500 of the brothers, James, His brother and lastly to Paul. He appeared on a lake, a mountain, a road, in the upper room behind locked doors and on a hillside. These witnesses constantly emphasized the eyewitness nature of their testimony. “With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus,” Acts 4:33.

These men, who had been cowering disciples, boldly began proclaiming this message, “He is risen!!” Despite suffering punishment, imprisonment and execution, they continued to preach and teach Jesus as the Christ. This ragged band of brothers, weak and uneducated, turned the Roman Empire upside down and started a fire that is still burning and will never go out!! “HE IS RISEN!!!”

Happy Easter! Your friend, Jean

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pastor Terry