The Power of the Resurrection

Again Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” (John 20:21 NIV)

The resurrection is the greatest event in human history. As we celebrate the fact that Jesus conquered sin and death, it is appropriate that we also look at his words following his resurrection. Jesus said that in the same way he was sent by the Father, he is sending us out into the world. These words give us the hope, purpose, and power we need to accomplish the enormous task of preaching the Gospel to all of creation.

Jesus was sent with a very clear purpose: To reveal the Father’s glory—his character and nature—so that we could become the children of God (John 1:10-18). We have the same mission. We do not have to “convert” people. Instead, we have the simple privilege of revealing God to others (see 2 Corinthians 3:7-18).

We also have the same power. Paul makes this clear when he reminds us that the same power that raised Jesus from the dead is the power that is at work today transforming peoples lives and building his church (Ephesians 1:19-23).

Because we have the same purpose and power, we can offer the same hope: Peace. Peace with God. Peace with others. Peace with ourselves. Jesus, through his death and resurrection, has abolished the law and its commandments (Ephesians 2:14-18). That does not mean it is ok to sin. Instead, it means that through Jesus we can now be reconciled with God. Everyone, regardless of their actions, their race, or their age, can have equal access to the Father.

So as you celebrate Easter, remember that it is more than a time to remember Jesus’ resurrection. Easter is our empowerment to go and offer the same peace to every single person in the world.

Power from on High

He told them, “This is what is written: The Christ will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and repentance and forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things. I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.” (Luke 24:46-49 NIV)

Have you ever heard this commission preached on in church? I would suspect it has been very rare. Yet it is still relevant for us today.

The Gospel is not something new. Instead, Jesus says “This is what is written.” We are part of a message that goes all the way back to the Garden of Eden. Adam and Eve may not have known all of the details, but God’s plan has never wavered. He has never had to make adjustments because of unforeseen circumstances. Instead, he has faithfully implemented his plan and he will do so in the future.

Our main role is to be “witnesses” of what God has done. You do not have to be a theologian. You do not have to answer every question. You simply are asked to share what you have seen God do in your own life and in the lives of those around you.

The Gospel can only be shared when we “have been clothed with power from on high.” From the start this has been about God, not about us. We can never talk someone into repentance. We can never forgive their sins. These are both acts of an Almighty God. Our privilege is to simply be the conduit to bring the message of hope to those who have no hope.

God is at work. Our commission is not to make something happen. It is simply to join in the work he is already doing. The only way you will truly experience the fullness of God’s power is to obey his command to preach in his name to all nations.