In the days leading up to my decision to follow Christ, I was exhausted by the world’s empty promises. I had sought meaning, direction, and peace, but found none. In desperation, I prayed to the God I barely understood: “If Jesus is the answer, give me a sign.”
I wasn’t just looking for forgiveness; I craved clarity, leadership, and comfort. I longed for someone who understood me completely and would still walk with me. I wanted a compassionate king.
To understand Luke 24:36-49 more, read the whole chapter. It helps us step into the disciples’ sandals at this moment of revelation. If you haven’t already, go ahead and read it—I’ll wait.
Now imagine: an empty tomb, whispered testimonies, the astonishment of Peter. Then suddenly—Boom!—Jesus appears in their midst.
Throughout Scripture, angels often preface their messages with, “Do not be afraid.” But Jesus greets them differently: “Peace be with you.” Shalom. There’s a vast difference between fearlessness and peace. The Prince of Peace stood among them, offering a familiar greeting—a phrase they had heard from His lips countless times. Was it the sound of His voice, the way He said it, that made them truly recognize Him?
As they struggle to process this, Jesus does something incredibly mundane—He asks for food and eats in their presence. Remember, He instructed food be given to Jairus’ daughter after raising her from the dead. Resurrection, it seems, is hungry work.
Jesus wasn’t only proving He physically exists. He was normalizing the truth: His suffering, death, and resurrection weren’t accidents or afterthoughts—they were exactly what Scripture foretold. His crucifixion was His coronation. The world mocked Him with a crown of thorns, but in God’s plan, the last became first, and the suffering servant became the reigning King.
Now, as His followers, we are called to more than just forgiveness of our sins. The compassionate King is inviting us into His kingdom, to obey His commands, and to proclaim His gospel (Matthew 28:19-20). Easter means the kingdom of heaven is here, now, and the King invites you to join in!
For reflection:
- What does Jesus’ resurrection mean for your daily life and faith journey?
- How is God calling you to proclaim His kingdom in light of all Jesus commanded us to do?
by Brent Halfwassen
Easter Sunday Family Talk
An Easter story based on Matthew 27
“Sir,” the Temple leaders faced Pontius Pilate, “we remember what this liar Jesus told his followers—that after three days he would rise again. If you don’t secure his tomb, his followers will steal his body and claim that he has risen from the dead!”
Yesterday, my fellow soldiers and I were ordered to crucify three men, the most popular being this Jesus—a man who some believed to be the promised Savior. But, the Temple leaders—the ones who really know about these religious things–claimed that Jesus was just spreading dangerous lies. After he died, a man named Joseph took Jesus’ body and placed it in his own family tomb.
Pilate agreed with the Temple leaders, “You may be right. I’ll send over some guards, and they’ll do their best to secure the tomb.” With Pilate’s order, we chose a few more men, and marched to the tomb. We stretched tight cords around the stone closing the entrance to the tomb, and over those cords, we placed some soft clay. We pressed the governor’s signet ring, the stamp of the Roman empire, into the soft clay. This made it official. No one will dare to come near the tomb now!
Night fell, and we took turns standing guard over the tomb entrance. Hour after hour, waiting and watching. It was my turn when the light began to spread across the sky–sunrise. Then I felt it—a rumble underground. “Whoa!” I caught myself on the rocky tomb. The shaking grew stronger and louder.
“What’s happening?” “What’s going on!” The sleeping soldiers jolted awake. Everything began to shake! As rocks were falling from the hillside, I dropped my spear. A blinding light shone in front of me. “Who-who are you?” I sputtered. The man before me was bright like lightning. I shielded my eyes, but only for a second! I felt myself go cold and dizzy. My legs buckled underneath me and everything went dark!
Hours later. I blinked my eyes open. How long have I been lying here? Where is everyone? The tomb . . . Oh no! I scrambled to my feet and turned to look at the tomb. The stone entrance was rolled away, our cords and seal left in the dust. Empty! I peeked inside, and saw the grave-clothes lying where the body should have been.
“Just what we feared—someone has stolen the body!” I thought. Then, I heard a voice from outside: “I know you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as He said.” I turned around to see a man in dazzling white talking to women – the same women I remembered seeing at the crucifixion. Could it be? Could this Jesus really be the Son of God? If he is, then everything has changed! I need to know more! I looked around. The women had gone, but I grabbed my things and followed their footsteps. I had to find Jesus myself!
Prayer: Jesus, You are risen indeed! And because You are, everything has changed! Death is not final. You make all the sad things untrue! And you make everything new again—even us! Praise you, Jesus! Amen.
by Pastor Laure Herlinger
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