Experiencing the Resurrection (Easter)

Jesus Christ is the resurrection and the life, it's through him people can find hope of life after death. We will be the most miserable believers if our hope is limited to life on this earth. The power that raised Christ from death is alive and will raise those who believe and die in him. Philippians 3:10 - That I may know him (Christ), and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death. These are discussed: Recognising the Risen Christ; Relationship with the Risen Christ, and Restored by the Risen Christ.

Recognising the Risen Christ: Mary Magdalene whom Jesus delivered from demons was the first person to see the risen Jesus. She discovered that the stoned had been rolled away from the tomb, and tomb was empty (John 20:1,11-15). She was disturbed, thinking Christ's corpse had been stolen, but she was told to hold her peace because Christ had risen as promised. A moment later the resurrected Christ appeared to her but she couldn't recognise him as she was filled with grief. She later recognised Jesus when he called her name, then her grief was replaced with joy. Jesus commanded her to go and tell his disciples about his resurrection. Christians should not allow worries and challenges to make them loose focus on Christ.

Relationship with the Risen Christ: Jesus continued to show himself to his troubled disciples. He appeared to two of his troubled followers and rebuked them for their their failure to understand what the scriptures had stated concerning his death and resurrection (Luke 24:13-17; 26-27). When we are faced with crisis situation and become discouraged that we seem to question God's presence with us, we just have to remember that the Saviour will not forget about us. The two followers were enlightened in the scriptures and encouraged by the risen Saviour. With the presence of resurrected Christ their grief and disappointment were removed and they were given the courage to spread the good news.

Restored by the Risen Christ: Jesus appeared to the disciples a number of times after his resurrection. On one of his appearances Jesus assured Peter that he was still the 'Rock' upon which His Church would be built, despite his denial prior to the crucifixion. He asked Peter three times if he loved him; the questions were to determine the dept of the love Peter had for Christ (John 21: 1-2; 15-18) after previous denial. Consequently, Peter learned that love for God should be shown by affection and care for others.

Peter was restored by the risen Saviour to God's service. Jesus told Peter to feed his sheep (the followers) after responses affirming his commitment (John 21:17-19). He would occupy special position and play crucial roles of uniting and caring for fellow believers. All Christians today are expected to respond the way Peter responded whenever they are called for service in the Church; they must care for others and spread the gospel. In the face of any challenges we must remember that the resurrected Saviour is alive and ready to intervene on our behalf. Lesson texts: Luke 24:13-35; John 20:1-18; 21:1-23.