“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
