Sharon Knudson
After Jesus rose from the dead, he constantly reassured his disciples that everything was fine. “Do not be afraid,” he kept saying. “Go and tell the others, go and tell the others…” He didn’t try to be mysterious. Instead, he let his death and resurrection gradually become their reality. He wanted them to be certain of the facts and never have cause to doubt what had happened.
Jesus also let his followers know that he would soon return to heaven. The word resurrection implies not only a rising from the dead, but also a returning. “I am returning to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God,” he told them (John 20:17).
And there was more! Jesus told the disciples they would follow him to heaven one day. He told them about the Holy Spirit, who would take his place and make him accessible to them in a far more intimate way than ever before. He also made it clear what they were to do after he was gone—advance his Kingdom on the earth.
These past few weeks, we have been reminded that Jesus died a real death, rose from the grave, and is still alive and available to us today. Do you think others can sense that we truly believe this? While their response to the events of Holy Week is up to them, our response to these events should be almost visceral.
Our actions and testimony are of utmost importance when it comes to making the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ a living reality to others. How will people know that God is in control of the economic downturn if we don’t act like he is? How can they sense Jesus’ availability if we never verbalize that fact?
“Come to us, Jesus, and open our eyes to the life that is ours. Help us to fully absorb what your death and resurrection means. We desperately need you, and ask that you make us your true disciples. Show us how to glorify your Name and truly live for you. Amen.”
NOTE: Sharon’s personal website is: www.SharonKnudson.com
