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.