Resurrection Impact

The resurrection of Jesus is so much more than an annual celebration. Some would call it the greatest event in human history. The impact of this one event is possibly the most influential event that we have ever known.
The Gospel of Luke, chapter 24, tells us about the resurrection of Jesus and the impact it had. It starts with women taking spices to the tomb of Jesus. When they get there, they encounter two angels. These two angels ask the women a significant question: “Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; he has risen! Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee: ‘The Son of Man must be delivered over to the hands of sinners, be crucified, and on the third day be raised again’” (Luke 24:5-7; NIV).
Often times we look for the living among the dead. We try to find life, enjoyment, and fulfillment in things that do not deliver. We are looking for the living among the dead. Jesus came to bring life to people, and he overcame death to do that very thing. Because he was able to overcome death, then he also has the power to bring life to us, even eternal life.
After Jesus rose from the dead, he had an encounter with two men who were still distraught over the death of Jesus. They did not recognize Jesus at first, assuming he was still dead. But as they began to talk and eat with him, they began to recognize who he was. “When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him” (Luke 24:30-31; NIV).
They had a relationship with Jesus because he was alive. He was no longer someone who was dead and gone; he was alive and in their presence. He talked and ate with them. They got to know him better.

Jesus is still alive today, and he desires a relationship with you. He has overcome death to give you life. Jesus wants you to get to know him better.
Then Jesus visited others who followed and learned from him before his death. They were frightened, but as Jesus spoke with them and ate with them (are you seeing a trend) they became more peaceful. A relationship with Jesus can make one less frightened and more at peace.
Because Jesus is still alive, he can bring more peace to you and take away much of your fear. We live during a fearful time. In the midst of all the fear and unrest, a relationship with Jesus can help us experience less fear and more peace.
After this, Jesus ascended back up into heaven with the promise that he will return to take us to heaven with him if we establish a relationship with him. After Jesus ascended back into Heaven, this is what those who were there did: “Then they worshipped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy” (Luke 24:52; NIV).
Our best response to the resurrection, relationship, and return of Jesus is to worship him and experience great joy. What could be more cause for worship and joy than having someone overcome death so that you could too?

Tommy Lanham is the Pastor of Glen Cove Christian Church.