After that day, everything was different. The first disciples witnessed a dead man walking. Their lives would be forever changed, defined by “life before Easter” and life “life after Easter.” On numerous occasions, Jesus showed up in resurrected form before he ascended. In the season of Easter we will examine six “after Easter” encounters with Jesus. What did he say and do? In what practical ways does resurrection change my daily life? Nothing will ever be the same.
Invocation
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Invitation
O Lord, your scars are your trophies, proof of your unfailing love for me. I am haunted by the guilt of my past, the sins of my present, and my fear of the future. Lord, at the cross you said, “It is finished.” So I cease my work and my worry. I rest in you. You have done it all. Amen.
Confession
“Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” Lord, forgive my fugitive ways. I turn and run from you. Forgive my criminal acts of hypocrisy and self-righteousness. Forgive my violations of arrogance and selfishness. Forgive me for denying you, ignoring you, and disregarding you. I am the one at fault. I have no other help but to turn my face to you and plead, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.”
Word
For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. (I Cor. 15:3-5)
Meditation
This Easter, we’ve been considering the resurrection as a “before and after.” Our lives are forever marked by this watershed moment. Right now we are living in the “after.” Think about how that changes your life.
Before: We lose loved ones and the cemetery is a place of mourning. But then the
resurrection. . .
After: The graveyard is a place of anticipation.
Before: Aging is a fact of life. Death is final. You live once, have a good time, and it’s over. But then the resurrection . . .
After: Because Jesus rose, those who are in him will get a new body. Death is not the end. Eternity is our destiny.
Before: Bullies win. The rich get richer. Injustice is a fact of life. But then the resurrection . . .
After: Jesus is King. He sees all that happens. Christ will return. Injustice will be judged once and for all. He will set everything right.
Before: Nothing changes. It’s the same old stuff, just a different day. Life is life. Ordinary and predictable. But then the resurrection . . .
After: We know that God does the impossible. Expect surprises. Call on him to do miracles and mighty things.
Before: The Christian life is boring. Go to church. Twiddle your thumbs. Life is just a waiting room for heaven. But then the resurrection . . .
After: Jesus’ resurrection is a validation of your life. You matter. Your body matters. What you do in your body matters. What you do in this life is of divine importance. Everything you do is of holy consequence. Every hug you give. Every diaper changed. Every test you take. Every act of service. Every song you sing. The resurrection means your life matters.
There are things that happen in life that are so profound that you can never be the same. Everything changes. How is your life different because of the resurrection?
Benediction
Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen. (Heb. 13:20-21)