The WORD Resurrected

The stone is rolled away. The tomb is empty. Jesus has risen from the dead just as He said He would!

But His followers seemed unable to believe Him.

Even though Jesus predicted His death and resurrection multiple times during His earthly ministry, Mary Magdalene, the first to the tomb, thought that His body had been stolen. Simon Peter and John saw the empty tomb but did not fully understand. Thomas refused to believe until he could feel the scars in Jesus’ hands and side. Why is the resurrection so hard to believe, then and now?

So, how does Jesus respond to this confusion? He responds gently. He reveals Himself quietly with peace. He does not condemn them for their uncertainty.

Instead, He commissions them. “Jesus said to them again, ‘Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.

But He didn’t leave them to figure it out on their own. ‘“And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit.'”

So what do we do now?

We tell others that their story can have a beautiful ending. And that Jesus provides that beautiful, eternally joyous end.

Words act as signposts in time. Jesus declared that it was finished upon the cross. That moment and those words were the turning point for all human history. All sin past, present and future had now been atoned for.

He is making all things new! He is the first and the last. The Alpha and Omega. The beginning and end (Revelation 22:13).

He is the Final Word.

Reflection Question

How do you respond when faced with truths that challenge your understanding or expectations? In what ways can you mirror Jesus' gentle approach when you share your story with others?