He Is Risen!
written by Chris Baker
Easter is a day celebrated all around the world. Easter is celebrated because God rose Jesus Christ from the dead! You cannot visit His remains in the tomb because He is Alive!
You can view today’s sermon here: He Is Risen. Today’s message depicts the events of the morning. The four Gospels (Matthew 28, Mark 16, Luke 24, John 20) highlight different details. The sermon explains why some of the details in the Gospels appear to be different. Here is what all four agree on; the tomb was empty, angels were present, the women were the first to arrive and Jesus rose from the dead.
Jesus appeared to Mary Magdalene and the disciples but that’s not all. The Apostle Paul explains in 1 Corinthians 15:3-8 that Jesus also appeared to over 500 witnesses at the same time. Most of those witnesses were still alive when Paul penned those words to the Corinthians. Paul mentions that Jesus also appeared to him. I have heard it argued that Christ’s death and resurrection are one of the most historically documented events. However, my aim here is not to prove Christ’s resurrection through historical data. Rather, let’s take a look at what Jesus says to one of His disciple,Thomas, after the resurrection.
Jesus had appeared to many of the disciples on the day of His resurrection but Thomas was not present. The disciples tried telling Thomas of their experience with the risen Jesus but Thomas was not convinced. This is why Thomas is often referred to as “doubting Thomas.” Of course, we should not be quick to judge Thomas. If we are honest, many of us have been where Thomas was? So how was Thomas convinced of the risen Christ? Take a moment and read John 20:24-29.
Wow! That would be convincing for the disciples to see Christ’s resurrected body and for Thomas to place his fingers in His wounds! In fact, many of us would be convinced as well. However, what does that mean for those today who did not receive that opportunity? How might we believe in the resurrection? Did you happen to catch the end of Jesus’ response to Thomas in verse 29? John 20:29 says, “because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed” (NIV). Jesus’ last statement refers to us! So I ask again, how can we believe in Jesus if we are not able to physically see Him or place our fingers in His scarred hands and side? What is the evidence for modern Believers of Christ’s resurrection? I believe the evidence is a changed life.
Believers that have a genuine relationship with Jesus Christ will attest to a changed life. There is a clear distinction between the way they were before they began their relationship with Jesus and after. Believers will attest to their growth in Christian maturity which only comes from a continual abiding in the Lord Jesus (John 15:1-8). The words of Scripture become alive and active when the Lord opens our minds to them (Luke 24:45).
I believe Jesus Christ rose from the grave. I believe Jesus is still alive and I can testify to that fact through my own life. I believe what I read in the Scriptures is true. “I believe that Christ was crucified, died, and was buried; and on the third day rose from the dead; He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty; and is coming back again” (Apostles Creed). Do you believe in the Risen Christ? If so, how can you testify (in the comments below) to the evidence of the Risen Christ in your life?
Mark 16:5-6 says, “as they [the women] entered the tomb, they saw a young man [an angel] dressed in a white robe sitting on the right side, and they were alarmed. 6 “Don’t be alarmed,” he said. “You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen!” (NIV).
The Barnabas Corner 