He Is Risen, Just As He Said by Ann Elaine Broughton

“The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said” (Matthew 28:5 NIV).

    Every year Easter is celebrated by Christians because it commemorates the day Jesus rose from the grave. For Christians, this event means that there is life after death. Jesus said He was going to prepare a place for us. “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you” (John 14:1-2 NIV).

    Jesus appeared to Mary near the tomb after he was risen. Then He appeared to the apostles, and to more than five hundred people. (1 Corinthians 15:5) The officials wanted everyone to believe that someone stole the body and spread that rumor. (Matthew 28:13 NIV)

Now consider the fact that Jesus appeared to five hundred people. Do you think all those people could make up such a thing? I do not.

    Also, consider the fact that all of the apostles were martyred. Would someone honestly die for a lie? I don’t think so. They knew what they saw was real. They knew that Jesus had risen from the dead. They touched his hands where the nails had pierced and his side. They were willing to die for the cause of Christ because they were eyewitnesses.

    Afterward when the apostles received the Holy Spirit and performed miracles, there was further proof of something extraordinary that had happened. Jesus promised the disciples that a counselor would be given to them. “And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever—the Spirit of truth” (John 14:16-17 NIV). This is the hope we have from the risen Lord; eternal life and the gift of the Holy Spirit.

    If you are a Christian, you are a disciple of Christ. You have a responsibility to tell others about Jesus’ death for their sins and about His resurrection so that they will have eternal life. You are to be His voice and caring hands. So I would urge you to do just that.

Dear Lord,

Help us not to be afraid to tell others about your redeeming love, and how you died so that their sins could be forgiven. Let us share the good news that they can have eternal life also.

In Jesus’ name,

Amen