Jesus is Risen
‘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. Come and see the place where he lay.”’ Matthew 28:5-6.
The whole of our faith as Christians depends on the fact that Jesus rose from the dead. If it is not true that He rose, then there is no point going through the pain and discomfort of following Jesus. And if He is not alive then we cannot know Him.
Many non-Christians are vague about resurrection but most Orthodox Jews and Muslims believe the story that the priests and elders came up with (see verses 11-15).
A number of legally trained skeptics have examined the facts surrounding the resurrection and found it likely to be true. But we cannot prove the truth of the resurrection just by examining evidence and persuading people. That is valid and is helpful for some. What we all need is to encounter the risen Jesus.
It was a dramatic, emotional roller coaster for the disciples. First the confusion and distress of Jesus’ arrest, then the devastation of the crucifixion. They just could not understand it was necessary. Now the growing excitement at the possibility He was alive!
The angel leads them through this as quickly as their human minds and feelings could cope with. He explains Jesus has been raised “as He said,” so they could try to piece together the recollections of His teaching. Then there was the physical evidence of the empty tomb where He had been laid.
Eventually their minds and emotions could cope with a glimpse of the Risen Lord Himself! Their response was to worship Him.
Those women saw Jesus in person, the “Son of Man” as He called himself who is also “Son of God” and eternally begotten. We cannot see Him in His risen but human body, because He is currently reigning on the throne of heaven until He comes again. But ….
We can hear and receive the angel’s message “Don’t be afraid.” We can think through the evidence of the empty tomb. Most importantly, we can encounter Him by His Holy Spirit if we welcome Him into our lives as Lord.
It is not enough to know the facts. It is not enough to know about Jesus. We need to meet Him by the Spirit and the only way to do that is to invite Him to lead us.
- Chris Horton
Inward prayer: Lord, we welcome You and give You the right to direct our steps, to lead us wherever You chose.
Outward prayer: Pray for those friends, colleagues and family members who do not know Jesus, for revelation of Him as Risen Lord.
The whole of our faith as Christians depends on the fact that Jesus rose from the dead. If it is not true that He rose, then there is no point going through the pain and discomfort of following Jesus. And if He is not alive then we cannot know Him.
Many non-Christians are vague about resurrection but most Orthodox Jews and Muslims believe the story that the priests and elders came up with (see verses 11-15).
A number of legally trained skeptics have examined the facts surrounding the resurrection and found it likely to be true. But we cannot prove the truth of the resurrection just by examining evidence and persuading people. That is valid and is helpful for some. What we all need is to encounter the risen Jesus.
It was a dramatic, emotional roller coaster for the disciples. First the confusion and distress of Jesus’ arrest, then the devastation of the crucifixion. They just could not understand it was necessary. Now the growing excitement at the possibility He was alive!
The angel leads them through this as quickly as their human minds and feelings could cope with. He explains Jesus has been raised “as He said,” so they could try to piece together the recollections of His teaching. Then there was the physical evidence of the empty tomb where He had been laid.
Eventually their minds and emotions could cope with a glimpse of the Risen Lord Himself! Their response was to worship Him.
Those women saw Jesus in person, the “Son of Man” as He called himself who is also “Son of God” and eternally begotten. We cannot see Him in His risen but human body, because He is currently reigning on the throne of heaven until He comes again. But ….
We can hear and receive the angel’s message “Don’t be afraid.” We can think through the evidence of the empty tomb. Most importantly, we can encounter Him by His Holy Spirit if we welcome Him into our lives as Lord.
It is not enough to know the facts. It is not enough to know about Jesus. We need to meet Him by the Spirit and the only way to do that is to invite Him to lead us.
- Chris Horton
Inward prayer: Lord, we welcome You and give You the right to direct our steps, to lead us wherever You chose.
Outward prayer: Pray for those friends, colleagues and family members who do not know Jesus, for revelation of Him as Risen Lord.
1 Comment
Thank for this Chris horton.
But i can truly say i have seen the risen Saviour Jesus Christ appear to me when i was in hospital in 1992 and i will never forget that day.
So that is why people may put doubt and confusion in my mind but i will continue to believe in the Risen Saviour who is Lord of my life.