Read: Luke 9:10-27

Good Friday and Easter are the ultimate testimony and truth of the Christian faith.  Henry Morris once said, “The bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead is the crowning proof of Christianity.”  There is good reason that Easter weekend is remembered and celebrated in communities all around the world.

All four gospels in the Bible recount the events that led to the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ.  The other books of the New Testament give some account or some example of why this matters to everyone.  In the midst of all the difficulties, evil, sin, and challenges in this world and in our lives, Jesus came to save and redeem all of it.  In him we find life and we find hope.

John Stott explains it well in his book Basic Christianity when he writes, “Perhaps the transformation of the disciples of Jesus is the greatest evidence of all for the resurrection.  It was the resurrection which transformed Peter’s fear into courage and James’ doubt into faith.  It was the resurrection which changed the Sabbath into Sunday.  It was the resurrection which changed Saul the Pharisee into Paul the apostle and turned his persecuting into preaching.”

Because Jesus lives we can look back and not be afraid.  Because Jesus lives we can look forward and not be afraid.  Because Jesus lives we can look up and not be afraid.  Because Jesus lives we can look inward and not be afraid.  Because Jesus lives you can face tomorrow whatever it might hold.  Because Jesus lives you can have hope and do have hope!

In Luke 9:10-27 we see the miracle of Jesus feeding over 5,000 people with only five loaves of bread and two fish that his disciples had nearby.  This is another account of Jesus’ ministry that is found in all four gospels.  Right after that miracle Jesus tells his disciples about the events of Good Friday and Easter that are ahead.  In other words, Jesus knew what was ahead, he knew what he was going to accomplish for us and all those who believe. He knew he was bringing  freedom, deliverance, salvation, redemption, love, grace, and eternal life in heaven.  This is why we celebrate!

Make it Personal:  The best way to make all of this personal is to accept Jesus into your life and into your heart and live for him.  He has the power to redeem your past, bring hope to your future, and provide health, strength, peace, and hope in your daily life.  Life is hard, but the presence of Jesus makes all the  difference for us.

Have a blessed week,  Pastor Glen Rhodes