Reacting to the Resurrection

Pastor Luke Martin shared with us for Resurrection Sunday, 24 April 2011.

In John 20:1-10, we read how the disciples discovered Jesus was no longer in a tomb. Why did He come back? Was there something more He was trying to tell us?

First up, let's look at the reaction of people to what happened. Specifically, we'll look at four reactions.

• 1 MEETING WHERE YOU ARE: In Mary's reaction, we see how Jesus met her where she was. He is interested in where you are, interested in your heart. Out of that, you will experience His love. He called her by name, being the first person He met after resurrection, as He calls you by name too. And He does that because you are important to Him. Jesus had freed Mary before and given her freedom. Notice, also, how she called Him teacher, implying something was being taught to her. In conclusion, we can see how this first reaction showed Mary, and us, that death is not the end. (See Revelation 1:17-18, where Jesus has eternal life.)

• 2 LEAVING AN IMPRESSION: In Luke 24:13-16, 28-35, we read how the disciples felt something, and didn't keep it to themselves. You, too, have news to share. Matthew 28:16-20 shows how He commissioned them. And it was out of love they would share the truth, not compulsion.

• 3 REVELATION OF GOD: In John 20:24-28, Thomas heard about Jesus secondhand. He doubted, but Jesus appeared to Him. And he was then the first to refer to Jesus as his Lord and his God. What a major 180 degree turnaround! In this one moment, Thomas ascribed Jesus' name as God, giving us the person to worship. (See also Acts 4:12.)

• 4 YOUR REACTION: This reaction isn't found in Scripture. It is your reaction, your choice to His resurrection...

So how will you react?


- Posted using an Apple iPad on behalf of Empower Christian Church, Australia