Now that Resurrection Sunday is past us, I wanted write about what I learned in Easter 2013. In the four gospels and in Acts 1, the writers clearly communicate 42 times that Jesus was seen, heard, witnessed, showed his hands and feet, found alive, and seen by many people. The resurrection of Jesus was clearly meant to be seen and known. What is it that we are supposed to see? What is it that the resurrection is calling us to see? Here they are:
1. We are to See Christ
The point of the resurrection is that we would see the risen Lord. He is the point, has always been the point. The resurrection calls us to see his glory.
2. We are to know and enjoy him
This life is meant to be enjoyed. Even though he had been seen by many of them, some doubted what they saw. Some saw and believed what they beheld.
3. We are to see and experience God's power.
At the cross, power went out that split the temple curtain in two, rocks were split, an earthquake happened, tombs were opened where dead saints were raised. At the resurrection, the earth moved, a large stoned was rolled away, angels came, Jesus was raised. God's power was made evident during the 3 days that changed the world.
4. We are be to transformed by the resurrected Christ
In Luke 24 3 critical transforming things happen , the first of which is connected to the 2 men going to Emmaus and the third is found when Jesus appears in the room with them. Here are the 3 things we need some serious transforming and shaping:
(1) Eyes opened (Luke 24:31)
(2) Awakened hearts (Luke 24:32)
(3) Awakened minds through the scripture (Luke 24:44-45)
All three of these lead to a natural response:
(4) Worship (Matthew 28:7)
5. See Where Real Life is Found
The angels said, "Why do you look for the living among the dead?" We are not going to find life looking for it in places where it cannot be found. Money, status, houses, clothes, plastic surgeries, cars, and sex outside of God's plan, are just a few examples of looking for life where dead things are. Life is only found in the resurrected Lord.
6. We are to see and believe.
Here is what John wrote after the resurrection:
John 20: [30] Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; [31] but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.
We are to believe in the resurrection.
