Posted: 2/23/05
LifeWay Explore the Bible Series for Feb. 27
Jesus' resurrection brought hope back to life
Luke 24:22-36, 50-53
By Pakon Chan
Chinese Baptist Church, Arlington
Death is the end of life. Death also negates all positive values of life and human endeavors. Therefore in many cultures, death is the taboo and curse of life. The Bible tells us death is the wage of sin (Romans 6:23). There is only one person in human history who has overcome death and sin. This person is our risen Lord, Jesus Christ.
The greatest surprise (Luke 24:1-12)
Even though Jesus had mentioned his death and resurrection many times before his crucifixion, none of his followers understood or expected it. Three days after the crucifixion and the first day of the week, a group of women took the spices to the tomb to finish the rituals of a Jewish burial for Jesus. As they approached the tomb, they saw some strange things. The stone was rolled away, and the entrance of the tomb was open.
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Even more of a surprise to them was the disappearance of the body of Jesus. It was unbelievable, and they were confused. While they were wondering about this strange experience, two angelic beings spoke to them: “Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; he has risen!” (Luke 24:5-6).
They reminded the women that they should expect his resurrection for Jesus had told them before while he was in Galilee (Luke 24:6).
Often, we screen what we hear to believe and to remember. If we hear something that is too extreme to believe, we will not take it seriously and easily forget it. The resurrection to them and even to us is difficult to believe. Many people still take the resurrection of Jesus Christ as a myth. Many people think Christianity is good if it takes away all the supernatural stuff, especially the resurrection of Jesus. But the resurrection of Jesus is the core and foundation of Christian faith. Paul argues that “if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith” (1 Corinthians 15:14).
Jesus not only was raised 2,000 years ago, his resurrection power still manifests itself in the life of every Christian. When we put our faith in him, his resurrection power will transform our lives and we will experience a new life in him.
Easter Sunday is just around the corner, and soon we will celebrate Jesus' resurrection again. Jesus' resurrection has proven he was God incarnated. He is the Savior for all human beings and all generations for he is the living Savior. When we celebrate Jesus' resurrection, we are not just celebrating a historical event that happened 2,000 years ago. We celebrate something that still is happening, for Jesus lives forever and his resurrection power still is working in Christians' lives and transforming all those who have faith in him.
Hope beyond death
Resurrection brings hope to this world. When sin and death ultimately deny all our hopes, Jesus' resurrection and his salvation bring hope back. In him, everything will be made anew. Therefore Paul says, “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation” (2 Corinthians 5:17). Even when life enters its darkest moment, a Christian should still have hope, for he knows that with the help and the power of this ever-living risen Lord, the sun will soon reappear again to bring light to his path!
Sharing the risen Lord (Luke 24:22-36)
The death of Jesus was very disappointing to his followers. Two followers of Jesus were walking on the road to Emmaus. When the risen Lord met them, they were very depressed, and their faces were downcast (Luke 24:17). What had happened to Jesus was not what they had expected. They expected Jesus to lead a revolt to overthrow the Roman rule and set their country free. But now Jesus had died and their hope had vanished.
Jesus met them on the road when they were very disappointed and their faith had dropped to the lowest point. He explained to them that all the prophecies starting from Moses to all the prophets pointed toward him. His death and resurrection were the fulfillment of all the prophecies. After they heard Jesus, their hearts were burning within them (Luke 24:32).
Luke tells us these two disciples immediately got up and returned at once to Jerusalem. They found the eleven and witnessed to them about the risen Jesus. This was the reaction of all the disciples and Christians after they had experienced the risen Lord; they could not help but share with others about Jesus and his resurrection.
The ascension (Luke 24:50-53)
Jesus did not choose to stay with them on earth forever. He ascended to heaven, but promised to send the Holy Spirit to be with them. Jesus had finished his mission as our Savior. God's forgiveness has been offered to us through and in Jesus. The disappointment and sadness of the disciples transformed into great joy and worship (Luke 24:52). Jesus Christ was not only a person in history; he is our ever-living Lord and Savior for he has risen from the dead.
Discussion questions
How does the resurrection of Jesus give you hope and strength in life?
What have you learned from the immediate reactions of the two disciples after they had heard the risen Lord?
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