The Lord is Risen!

When can you say something or someone is alive?

Read: John 20:1-9

The Lord is risen!

It was quite a new day. Mary of Magdala saw the stone removed from the tomb. Peter and John saw the burial clothes, but no Jesus. What had happened? They were perplexed, “for they did not yet understand the scripture that he had to rise from the dead.” (Jn 20:9).

 But for us, we do understand. As Peter proclaimed, “this man God raised on the third day” (Acts 10:40a). The Lord is risen! Jesus is alive! What does it mean for us?

First, it means that we who are called to believe in him and to follow him are to live a new life in him. “Think of what is above, not of what is on earth.” (Col 3:2). We were dead to sin, but Jesus redeemed us. “If then you were raised with Christ, seek what is above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God.” (Col 3:1). We know we will ultimately die, but death will just be a gateway to new life, eternal life with God. “When Christ your life appears, then you too will appear with him in glory.” (Col 3:4).

Second, while we think and seek what is above, this translates to action while here on earth. Jesus died to redeem us. Only in him is new life, both here and hereafter. This is the good news of salvation in Jesus, the risen Lord. And we are called to be Jesus’ witnesses, to testify to his saving work. Just like the apostles we proclaim, “we are witnesses” (Acts 10:39a). Further, this good news must be proclaimed. In fact, Jesus, as he did with his disciples, “commissioned us to preach to the people and testify that he is the one appointed by God as judge of the living and the dead.” (Acts 10:42). This work is of crucial importance, as “everyone who believes in him will receive forgiveness of sins through his name.” (Acts 10:43). We are to be God’s instruments of salvation.

We truly are a fortunate people, as God has been merciful to us. And this mercy is for all time, until we attain to eternal life with God in heaven. “Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, his mercy endures forever.” (Ps 118:1). We who were dead to sin have been given new life in Jesus. We now live for him, and proclaim him to all. “I shall not die but live and declare the deeds of the Lord.” (Ps 118:17). The Lord is risen! Hallelujah!

For discussion, answer the following questions:

1. What is the new life Jesus in inviting me to live?

2. How can I live better to testify that He is indeed alive?

Make a list of at least 3 habits that you wish to start doing to be a better witness of Jesus Christ.