The Power of the Resurrection: A Life-Changing Encounter with Jesus
The story of Jesus' resurrection continues to draw crowds, just as it did 2,000 years ago. The message of Jesus being alive and risen still resonates with people today, just as it did with the disciples on the first Easter morning.
Even in a world that is filled with different traditions and beliefs, the message of the resurrection of Jesus continues to captivate and change lives. The power of this message can be seen in how it transformed the lives of those who witnessed it firsthand, including the disciples and followers of Jesus.
From the first Easter morning to the present day, the message of the resurrection has the power to change lives, bring hope, and offer a new beginning to all who believe.
The First Easter: A Time of Fear and Confusion
The first Easter morning was not a time of celebration, but rather a time of fear, crisis, and confusion for the disciples. They woke up to panic, heartbreak, and disappointment, still processing the traumatic events they had witnessed just a few days earlier.
The disciples had walked hundreds of miles with Jesus, witnessed his miracles, and heard his teachings. They were 100% committed to Jesus, but when they saw him crucified, their world was shattered. They were in shock and confusion, questioning everything that had happened.
Mary Magdalene's Encounter At the Tomb
John 20:1-2 says, "Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene went to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the entrance. 2 So she came running to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one Jesus loved, and said, “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we don’t know where they have put him!”
On the first Easter morning, Mary Magdalene was the first to encounter the empty tomb. She ran to tell Peter and John, who raced to the tomb to see for themselves. They were confused and in a state of disbelief when they first saw the empty tomb, but they had no idea that this supernatural event would change their lives forever.
Mary went back to the tomb and saw two angels inside, resembling the Mercy Seat on the Ark of the Covenant. She was distraught and didn't recognize Jesus when he appeared to her. But when Jesus called her by name, everything changed. This personal encounter with Jesus transformed Mary's life and gave her a powerful story to tell.
Jesus Calls Mary By Name, Illustrating God's Personal Love
John 20:16, "16 Jesus said to her, “Mary.” She turned toward him and cried out in Aramaic, “Rabboni!” (which means “Teacher”). is a pivotal moment in the biblical account of the resurrection of Jesus. When Jesus calls Mary by name, it illustrates God's deep, personal love for each individual. This moment is significant for several reasons:
This account serves as a reminder of the personal, loving, and transformative nature of God's relationship with each individual. It emphasizes that the message of the resurrection is not just a historical event, but a living reality that continues to impact and change lives today.
The Disciples' Response
Jesus Appears to His Disciples, John 20:19" 19 On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” Following the resurrection, Jesus made several personal appearances for the disciples, transforming their lives forever.
Enduring Persecution and Death for Their Faith
The disciples faced immense persecution and ultimately gave their lives for their faith. They were willing to endure unimaginable suffering for the sake of the gospel, a testament to the life-changing power of encountering Jesus after his resurrection.
Living Out Their Faith with Courage and Conviction
Each disciple lived out their faith with courage and conviction, unwavering in their commitment to spreading the message of Jesus' resurrection. Their lives serve as a powerful example of the transformative impact of encountering the risen Jesus.
Thomas' Doubt and Belief
After Jesus' resurrection, he appeared personally to Thomas, who initially doubted, needing to see and touch Jesus' wounds to believe. When Thomas saw and touched Jesus, he exclaimed, in John 20:28, "My Lord and my God!"
The transformation in Thomas's belief, from doubt to unwavering faith, serves as a powerful example of the impact of personally encountering the risen Jesus. His bold witness stands as a testimony to the life-changing power of the resurrection and the profound impact it had on the lives of the disciples.
Accepting Jesus as Your Lord and Savior
Accepting Jesus as our Lord and Savior is a life-changing decision that has eternal significance. It's a personal encounter with Jesus that transforms our lives and brings about hope, forgiveness, and redemption.
When we accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior, we are acknowledging that He is the Son of God who died for our sins and rose from the dead. We are committing to follow Him and allow Him to be the authority in our lives.
Here are some key steps to accepting Jesus as our Lord and Savior:
Believe in Jesus' Sacrifice: Understand and believe that Jesus died on the cross for your sins and rose from the dead, offering you the gift of eternal life.
Confess Your Faith: Confess your faith in Jesus and declare that He is your Lord and Savior. Share your decision with others and let them know about the change in your life.
Water Baptism symbolizes the washing away of your sins and your new life in Christ!
Get Baptized: Consider being baptized in water as a public declaration of your decision to follow Jesus. Water baptism symbolizes the washing away of your sins and your new life in Christ.
Grow in Your Faith: Read and meditate on the teachings of Jesus in the Bible. Pray, seek God's guidance, and surround yourself with a community of believers who can help you grow in your faith.
God Seeks Hearts That Believe And Trust In Him
The resurrection of Jesus is a compelling testament to its impact on the disciples. Amidst fear, confusion, and heartbreak, they were transformed into individuals of strong faith, courage, and conviction. This event changed their lives profoundly, inspiring them to live with steadfast faith and commitment, even when facing persecution and death.
Reflecting on the first Easter and the disciples' encounters with the risen Jesus, we're reminded that God values hearts that believe and trust in Him. The resurrection's message has the power to transform, bring hope, and offer fresh starts to believers. Just as it changed the disciples' lives, it continues to influence and transform lives today.
