What difference do the death and resurrection of Jesus make today?

[Audio link for “What Difference Do the Death and Resurrection of Jesus Make Today?” below]

Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene went to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the entrance. So she came running to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one Jesus loved, and said, “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we don’t know where they have put him!”

— John 20:1-2

resurrection

 

How difficult was it for the One who is Lord of the universe—who had a hand in creation itself, who is the very force of life that holds living things together—to wake up from the sleep of death and set aside the burial cloths draping his body?

As was always the case, Jesus’ revelations of himself did not happen with television cameras focused on him. Not even a respectable crowd was gathered. An alarming word from young Mary Magdalene about Jesus’ body being gone produced a panic and a footrace among two of Jesus’ beloved disciples, Peter and John. One looked and merely saw the emptiness of the tomb; the other saw the connection between this moment and the mysterious words of Jesus—and he believed.

Now things were really complicated and the disciples went home. So Jesus first appeared to a brokenhearted Mary who stayed at the tomb. Mary was the first to behold something the world had never seen before—a resurrected, transformed life.

Resurrection day for Jesus was simply the first installment of a resurrection of masses of people when this era of the history of the universe draws to a close. What God promises to those who belong to Jesus is not the loss of self into a nothingness bliss, but the resurrection and remaking of everything that is right and good in the world he created. And until then, he invites us to begin living transformed lives, continually shaped and changed by the hope of the redemption of all that God has made.

Ponder This: Where in your life do you need the resurrection power of Jesus at work today?

LISTEN TO “What difference do the death and resurrection of Jesus make today?” a lecture by Mel Lawrenz and Scot McKnight…

 

 


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4 thoughts on “What difference do the death and resurrection of Jesus make today?”

  1. As I delve into my study of God and God’s word…from bookend (Genesis) to bookend (Revelation), I am grateful to be able to read and listen to your path of study. Thank you…and in this instance, thank you to Scot McKnight as well. Blessings to both of you this Easter and beyond.

  2. Thanks, Mel. Look forward to you new book…..always appreciate your speaking And writing ministry. Tom

  3. Theresa Desmarais

    Thank you for this sermon, you taught me so much I was brought up as a Catholic and never heard, or learned so much, God bless you both, thank you from the bottom of my heart now I read the bible every night, the only problem is, I went to some other church and I was told to go up to get healed well it sure did not work, as he grabbed my hand and tried to make me walk, never happened, as far as I am concerned only God can heal, and I never went back. I am 84 and I watch Intouch every Sunday night by Rev Charles Stanley, as he explains every thing, I am now a born again Christian, never knew about that, Thank you God, I love God with all my heart and soul, and to see Jesus dying on the cross, for my sins just breaks my heart. God bless every one I enjoy your Prayers..

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