As believers, we’re set apart by the promise from our risen Savior. We “will have life by the power of his name.” This Resurrection story beautifully recounts what happened to Jesus’ followers just days after he was brutally killed. Jesus’ death was on purpose; it had to happen because God loved us so much. Because Jesus was God, He could not stay dead. The impact of his resurrection from the dead is huge, and without it our faith would be meaningless. The apostle Paul said in 1 Corinthians 15:14, “And if Christ has not been raised, then all our preaching is useless, and your faith is useless.”
This was a long reading, and there are so many nuggets of truth and wisdom for us to meditate on. We see Mary and his disciples at the tomb, angels, several appearances of Jesus, a doubting disciple, and so much more. Can you imagine how hard it would have been to make sense of what had happened that weekend? Jesus had died, and then he was back. The fear of association, the doubts, would have been crippling. And yet everything Jesus had told them was coming true. We can all learn from this that Jesus’ word is to be trusted.
Since our theme is the Kingdom of God, let’s focus on what we see here that gives us a clue about that. While not specifically mentioned by name as in other texts, we’re starting to understand the kingdom of God is the presence of Jesus in our lives.
Thomas had a hard time believing without seeing. We may even struggle with that at times. We see what Jesus had to say about that. “You believe because you have seen me. Blessed are those who believe without seeing me.” In this moment, we stand in that group of blessed people because we believe without seeing, without being able to touch the nail-scarred hands.
We may not know where Jesus is physically, but the Holy Spirit comes alongside us to remind us of His power. Just as Jesus appeared to his followers and encouraged them, the Holy Spirit is our Guide. Jesus had told his disciples and us before he died about it. In John 14:26, Jesus says, “But when the Father sends the Advocate as my representative—that is, the Holy Spirit—he will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I have told you.” The disciples would have plenty of “a-ha” moments as the Holy Spirit opens their minds to understand all that they had lived through, all the lessons they had heard from their Master and Messiah.
What was the detail in this story that resonated most with you today? Why do you think that spoke to your heart? For me, it was verse 21, “Again he said, ‘Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I am sending you.’” Jesus is extending peace, and today I’m feeling a little under attack, uneasy with life. Peace sounds pretty great.
Beyond that promise, Jesus is calling me. I am in here in Mexico, being sent by God. That’s the message I felt today. Where is God sending you? What is your mission field in this life? Who needs to hear about Jesus and all that he has done in your life so far?
Let’s pray. Father, I trust you with my whole self. The promises in your word are true. May I rest in those promises today as I fight to speak more boldly for you. Give me your eyes to see the openings to share about my resurrection faith. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
