Tag Archive for: Resurrection

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May 13 – Portraits of Jesus – I am the resurrection and the life

PORTRAITS OF JESUS – I am the resurrection and the life

Today we come to John 11:25 where we learn about another I am statement of Jesus.

“ Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?”

John 10:25

Now, this statement we have just read was a conversation between Jesus and Martha. This took place after the death of Lazarus. He had been buried for 4 days and his body was starting to rot. So Martha is having this conversation with Jesus upon hearing that he is town. Jesus gave Martha this assurance, “Your brother will rise again”. Martha said she believes that her brother will rise again in the final resurrection. What Martha didn’t know was that Jesus was referring to something he is about to do. Jesus was to raise Lazarus from the dead. So in the later verses of chapter eleven we learn about Lazarus’ resurrection. In fact, the gospels record accounts of Jesus raising people to life (e.g. Luke 7:11-17). We also learn about Jesus’ own resurrection. So what does it mean when Jesus said he is the resurrection and the life? There are a couple of things we learn from Scripture about resurrection:

1.We learn that Jesus brings resurrection

Jesus is the one who raised people from the dead. He brought people to life.

2. Jesus is the cause of resurrection

Jesus is the one who caused people to be raised again. Nothing else or no else He spoke and people were resurrected.

3. Jesus is the resurrection and the life

In other words, resurrection from the dead and genuine eternal life in fellowship with God are so closely tied with Jesus that they are embodied in Jesus and can be found in relationship with Jesus. We can only have eternal life through Him. We can only experience the words of Jesus to Martha only through a relationship with Jesus.

Jesus’ resurrection has implications for humanity. We know that Jesus was raised to life and we recently celebrated that on Easter Sunday (Resurrection Sunday). He is Risen. And that carries with it certain implications that I would like for you to reflect on today:

  1. We are alive through Christ – those who believe in inherit eternal life (Eph. 2:5).
  2. Death has been swallowed up in victory – the hold that death had on humanity, is no longer there for those who believe in Jesus (1 Cor. 15:54). Remember inherently humanity is separated from God because of sin.
  3. Through the resurrection of Jesus, he brings an end to the chasm that exists between humanity and God. So for those that will believe in Jesus, they can be reconciled to the father. They can have a relationship with the Father. That is the core message of the gospel. That if you believe in Jesus, though you die, you shall live. Even for the loved ones who have fallen asleep in the Lord, we can grieve them with the hope of the statement that Jesus is the resurrection and the life. We shall see them again for they live.

And that is what it means that Jesus is the Resurrection and the life!

/by
Dennis Beeselaar

Living the Resurrection!

Someone led me to a Christian book with the title, LIVING THE RESURRECTION. The book was written by the well-known writer and translator of the Message, Eugene H. Petersen.

Last Sunday our pastor of worship, Justin announced the theme for Resurrection Sunday evening service – Living the Resurrection! I sat up and realized that our Lord is speaking to me at this specific time on the Christian church calendar!

It is Easter – It is for the followers of Jesus the “focused” journey to the Cross of our Saviour, the “gazing” at Jesus on the Cross and the “tuned in” listening to our Redeemer’s words from the cross. I am caught up with the hymn written by Isaac Watts (1674-1748);

“When I survey the wondrous cross, on which the Prince of glory died,
My richest gain I count but loss,
And pour contempt on all my pride.”

I am moved by the empty tomb. I remember visiting the garden tomb in Israel during 2008. I listened to the debate – some say it was definitely at the Holy “Sepulchre” and others say it was definitely here in the garden! For me, what matters is – The Tomb is Empty! I believe the Gospel of John telling about Mary Magdalene who was crying outside the tomb of Jesus when suddenly the news broke that would change the destiny of the “world” for ever. Mary broke that news – “I have seen the Lord!”

It is March 2013. I am gripped and confronted again with this message captured by the Hymn Writer, Edmond Louis Budry, (1854-1932)

“Thine be the glory, risen, conquering Son,
Endless is the victory Thou o’er death has won;
Angels in bright raiment rolled the stone away,
Kept the folded grave-clothes where Thy body lay.
Thine be the glory, risen, conquering Son,
Endless is the vic’try Thou o’er death hast won!”

Here is a quote from Eugene Petersen’s book on Living the Resurrection. It says this:

IF YOU CELEBRATE CHRIST’S RESURRECTION ONLY ONE DAY OF THE YEAR, YOU’RE MISSING SOMETHING BIG!”

Our Lord’s resurrection engaged the two on the Emmaus road where He broke bread with them, fearful disciples locked behind closed doors hearing the voice of the Master speaking peace to them, disciples having a breakfast which their Friend prepared for them and a Guide who told them to throw the nets on the other side for a big catch! And many more!

“Lord where are you “staying?” Come and see!”

May you have a blessed Easter where the Risen Lord is at the centre!

Love you lots,

Your pastor and friend,

Dennis Beeselaar

/by