Real Life

Read Matthew 28:1-10 

“Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said.” (Matthew 28:5-6)

When I read the gospel accounts of Jesus’ resurrection, I often imagine and wonder about what that experience was like. Imagine it with me.

What did the tremors of that angelic earthquake feel like? How was it that the angel rolled back the stone of Jesus’ tomb? What did the brilliance of the angel’s appearance feel like to the human eye? What did the angelic voice that the women heard announcing Jesus’ resurrection sound like? How did the mixture of fear and joy feel as it tingled up their spine and surged through their souls as they turned to go? And what about when they saw Jesus, clasped His feet and worshiped Him? 

Have you ever woken up from sleep without knowing clearly whether you are awake or asleep? When could you discern what was real? How do you know what is real life?

I wonder if these women felt the same way. Did they wonder if they were dreaming? When was the moment that they knew this angelic visitor and message, as well as the final encounter with Jesus, was real? 

Regardless, there He was standing right in front of them: Jesus in real life. The best of their hopes and dreams now stands in resurrection reality before them. Then, Jesus urges them to tell the other disciples. And so, the first ones ever sent by Christ with the fullness of the gospel bring His message to others.

In my imagination I stand there with them. Many times, with a pang in my heart, I wish I could have been there too. I’m sometimes jealous of these first believers who saw, heard, and touched our risen Lord. Then I think of Jesus’ words to Thomas: “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed” (John 20:29). Blessed as they are, there is blessing for us, too. We, too, can know the power of His resurrection and enter into real life. We too can know the joy of sharing His message with others.

FOR REFLECTION: 

• On this resurrection day, enter into the gospel story with your imagination set on fire by the Holy Spirit. Take time to thank the Lord for the new life you have found in Him. Take some time to consider the blessings He has given you through Jesus, the Messiah, who has risen with real life for all of us. 

by Matt Erickson