Dear Family and Friends,
 
As we approach Easter, let’s take one last look at the risen Jesus.
 
In reading through the last chapters of each Gospel, it’s clear that the risen Jesus took a very personal approach towards everyone He met.
 
With Mary, Jesus called her by name.
 
With the two disciples on the road to Emmaus, He broke bread.
 
With the disciples on the first night, Jesus entered the locked room saying, “Peace be with you!” He showed them His hands and side and then asked if they had anything to eat.
 
With Thomas, He said, “Put your finger here; see my hands.”  John 20:27 NIV
 
Luke 24:34 suggests Jesus appeared to Peter sometime after visiting the empty tomb.
 
And with Saul, Jesus asked, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?” Acts 9:4 NIV
 
It’s also clear from the scriptures that meeting the resurrected Jesus was a life changing event.
 
For example, Peter became bolder after his encounter with the risen Jesus.
 
Saul’s transformation was epic. It’s still impacting lives – like yours and mine.
 
History tells us that all the disciples in the upper room committed the rest of their lives to spreading the Gospel. And all but John died a martyr’s death.
 
Now let’s talk about us who can no longer “see” Jesus. Is it possible to achieve that same level of belief?
 
Yes, by doing what John did.
 
“Finally the other disciple (John), who had reached the tomb first, also went inside. He saw and believed.”  John 20:8 NIV
 
The Greek verb for “saw” (horaó) means to see and perceive. It’s both seeing physically with the eyes and perceiving or understanding with the mind.
 
John studied the evidence laid out in the empty tomb. The strips of linen laying where Jesus had laid. The head cloth folded nearby.
 
John likely thought to himself – would thieves neatly unwrap a decaying body and then carry a naked body about? If Jesus had miraculously revived, could He possibly unwrap Himself?
 
John did not have to “see” Jesus. He examined the evidence and came to the only possible conclusion.
 
John believed Jesus was risen!
 
It’s now our turn to examine the evidence. 
 
Just as John peered into the tomb and likely asked himself questions, here are a few questions to get us started.
 
Jesus lived in a time when women were subordinate to men. They were not even allowed to testify in court; their testimony was considered unreliable and invalid.
 
So, why would all four Gospels (written by men) disclose that women were the first to learn that Jesus was risen? Unless it was true.
 
And that it was women who notified the disciples that Jesus was risen? Unless it was true.
 
Why would the four Gospel writers name women who could easily refute the accounts? Unless it was true.
 
In 1 Corinthians 15:5-8, Paul lists the individuals to whom Jesus appeared after His resurrection.
 
In verse 6 Paul wrote, “After that, he appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers and sisters at the same time, most of whom are still living, though some have fallen asleep.”
 
Paul was inviting, almost daring, them to go and ask. Why would Paul make such a bold claim that could easily be tested and refuted? Unless it was true.
 
Let’s spend this week examining and pondering over the evidence. Why?
 
Because the resurrection of Jesus really is a big deal.
 
It’s proof of Jesus’ identity and His God granted authority.
 
It’s proof of His victory over sin and death.
 
It’s proof of the new life He gave us, now and forever.
 
It’s proof of God’s love and grace.
 
The resurrection is the cornerstone of our faith. It’s the source of our hope.
 
The resurrection has proven power to change the lives of those who truly believe it to be true.
 
Let that be us! Let’s make this Easter one to remember.
 
In love always,