The Bible documents 10 post-resurrection appearances of Jesus. He appeared to Mary Magdalene; to two travelers on the road to Emmaus; to Peter in Jerusalem; to 10 disciples in the Upper Room; to 7 disciples fishing on the Sea of Galilee; to 11 disciples on the mountain in Galilee; to more than 500 men later; to his brother James; and finally to a number of his disciples in Mount Olives just before he ascended to heaven before their very eyes. Unfortunately for those who tried so hard to destroy both the body and the spirit of Jesus, Jesus still emerged a true victor in the end…. a victor who did not have to lord over his enemies, but a victor who displayed unbelievable tenacity, spiritual composure and magnanimity even towards his most bitter enemies to the very end.
Throughout the ministry of Jesus, he was always questioned about his true intentions. Some thought that his intention was to build a kingdom for himself. Some thought that his intention was to topple the religious status quo. Some even said that his intention was to usher in a new kind of religious movement by the use demonic powers. But you see, none was ever true. Jesus’ true intention was to seek and save the lost. His intention was to fulfill God’s salvation-plan. In short, the intentions of Jesus were pure, holy and trustworthy.
We are living in world that is constantly struggling to understand trustworthiness. Phrases like “hidden-motives”, “double-agent” and “secret-agenda” are heard all the time in our generation. In politics, business circles, religious communities and even in family relationships, deception and betrayal are ordinary occurrences.
The effects are quite devastating and we do not even realize it. As a result, so many do not know how to trust. Many are suspicious and skeptical. Many are defensive and protective of themselves. Many feel vulnerable, insecure and unsafe, even in matters concerning faith and relationships. The resurrection of Jesus is God’s powerful way of reversing the spirit of mistrust that has so imprisoned many hearts and minds. When Jesus rose from the dead, just as he said he would, the world witnessed a kind of trustworthiness that it so needed to see. It was a kind of trustworthiness that opened eyes to the Lord’s sovereign rule over life and death. It was a kind of trustworthiness that restored confidence in the wisdom and purposes of God. It was a kind of trustworthiness that silenced every insecurity and fear. It was a trustworthiness that made the world realize that in Christ, God is truly and sincerely for us and not against us.
When our lives are shaken and when we are overwhelmed by the trials of life, it is very difficult to turn to the trustworthiness of the Lord. When we are visited by sickness, when our financial resources are depleting, when our families go through periods of shaking we cannot help but feel unsafe, vulnerable and even skeptical. But this is the very message the Lord’s resurrection. When these seasons of life come, our spirits need to be quick to turn to the trustworthiness of Jesus. He is our risen Christ. Those who put their faith in him with also be raised up when they fall.
After his death, the dead body of Jesus was placed in a solid tomb owned by a rich man, Joseph of Arrimathea. By means of levers, an extremely large stone weighing approximately two tons was rolled against the entrance of the tomb. Elite Roman guards were stationed to guard the tomb upon the strict instructions of Pilate. But you see, all these elaborate military precautions were not enough to hinder God’s mighty hand. It was the day of vindication. In the account of Matthew we read that a very violent earthquake shook the earth. An angel of the Lord came down from the heavens and rolled the stone away. When the women saw the angel, they were simply told, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. 6He is not here; he has risen, just as he said..”. God had set the stage for his victory to be displayed in Jesus Christ. His Only Begotten Son is indeed Lord over life. He is Lord over death. The resurrection is too powerful to be explained humanly. How can a lifeless corpse suddenly come back to life after three days in a closed tomb? How can a tortured body suddenly just rise up in full glory for all the people to see? The world will always trivialize the Christ we are worshipping. The world will always mock and underestimate the kingdom he is building. But the Spirit of the Lord has already spoken. Jesus Christ is Lord. Death could not hold him back. The grave could not stand his might.
Such is the message of the Resurrection we are celebrating – – – a resurrection that brings glorious hope and ushers new beginnings – – – a resurrection that proclaims peace instead of hatred – – – forgiveness instead of vengeance – – – celebration instead of mourning. May this Resurrection continue to inspire us in the living of our days. May this Resurrection empower us and anoint us to serve one another – – – to do what is right and just – – – and to face all the uncertainties of life with godly courage, firm confidence and grace-filled composure. Hallelujah! Christ is Risen! He is Risen indeed! A blessed Resurrection Sunday to us all!
