Louis Locke
Last Sunday millions of people all around the world celebrated Easter. Easter marks the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, the single most important event in all human history.
Our focus on the resurrection of Jesus doesn’t end with the Easter morning miracle, in fact that’s when it gets really interesting.
One amazing report tells us that at the time of His death on the cross, “The earth shook, the rocks split and the tombs broke open. The bodies of many holy people who had died were raised to life. They came out of the tombs after Jesus’ resurrection and went into the holy city and appeared to many people.” (Matthew 27:51-53)
The Bible tells us that Jesus remained on earth for 40 days after His resurrection, prior to His ascension into heaven. During that time, He was seen by many people, first to Mary Magdalene (Mark 16:9) later Jesus joined two men as they walked on the Emmaus Road. They did not recognize Him at first, but later “as He sat at the table with them, He took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them. Then their eyes were opened and they knew Him; and He vanished from their sight.” (Luke 24:30-31.)
Another time, as Jesus’ disciples were gathered, “Jesus himself was suddenly standing there among them. ‘Peace be with you,’ he said. But the whole group was startled and frightened, thinking they were seeing a ghost! ‘Why are you frightened?’ He asked. ‘Why are your hearts filled with doubt? Look at my hands. Look at my feet. You can see that it’s really me. Touch me and make sure that I am not a ghost, because ghosts don’t have bodies, as you see that I do.’ As He spoke, He showed them His hands and His feet. Still they stood there in disbelief, filled with joy and wonder. Then He asked them, ‘Do you have anything here to eat?’ They gave Him a piece of broiled fish, and He ate it as they watched.” (Luke 24:36-43)
Yes, during these 40 days, Jesus proved that He was alive from the dead and spoke to His disciples “of things pertaining to the kingdom of God” – Preparing them for life/ministry without Him.
Jesus’ final words to His disciples were: “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:18-20).
“So then, after the Lord had spoken to them, He was received up into heaven, and sat down at the right hand of God.” (Mark 16:19).
Jesus’ “Great Commission” to His disciples is also for us today. Go in the name of Jesus Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit and tell of and live out the ‘good news’ of God’s love.
Louis J. Locke is the founding pastor of Carson City Foursquare Church.