The Resurrection

​Christians tend to understand why it was necessary for Jesus Christ our Lord to die.  He had to die because without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins.  He was an offering for sin, and the wages of sin is death.  He died so that we can be reconciled to God (Romans 5:10).  It was necessary for Jesus to die.  But it was also necessary for Him to rise from the dead. 

The resurrection was necessary so that mourners could be comforted (Luke 24:38-39).  There was deep grief that came upon the followers of Jesus once He died.  The disciples were fearful.  When Jesus died, hopes of a better day were dashed.  Visions of a restored kingdom of Israel were destroyed.   But when He rose, sorrow turned to joy.  Jesus rose so that troubled hearts wouldn’t have to stay troubled.  When we look at the evidence, our hearts shouldn’t be troubled.  Distress should disappear because He is risen.  Doubts about the future can be laid to rest because He is risen. 

Jesus rose to make peace possible.  In Luke 24:36 Jesus pronounces a blessing over His apostles that gives them what they need: peace.  Jesus rose so that humanity can have peace with God (Romans 4:25-5:1).  Because He rose, we have the opportunity to be acquitted of all wrong.  When Christians stand in the presence of God we can have confidence because we have been declared “Not guilty.”   Peace with God, enables us to enjoy the peace of God. 

​He rose so that disciples could be dispatched (Luke 24:46-49).  Before Jesus died, He had given His disciples a charge to minister to those who were disabled and diseased.  He had also given Peter the authority to proclaim the message about the Kingdom of heaven so that people could be saved.  But when He died, the disciples became paralyzed by fear.  After Jesus rose, He appeared to them in the upper room and opened their understanding.  The risen Lord dispatched His disciples to deliver His message and continue His ministry.  We preach Christ today because He rose nearly 2000 years ago.  The Lamb who died is now the Great Shepherd who lives!  The message is not to be kept to ourselves.  To remain silent would be to dishonor the resurrection and deny God’s power.  Disciples of Christ are to share the message.  Jesus is sending us to go out into the world with a message of comfort, hope and peace.