During hostage negotiations, a kidnapper will make a list of demands. But before any action is taken, the negotiator will ask for a sign of life. This could be a picture of the victim with a recent newspaper, or specific information that only they would know. The purpose is to make sure the victim is alive before giving the kidnapper any money. Ensuring the victim is alive is crucial for making sure the negotiation is worthwhile.
At Easter, we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus. We know that He died to pay for our sins, but the Bible makes it clear that His resurrection is a crucial part of our salvation. By coming back to life, Jesus made His authority and deity fully known. He proved His love for us, so we know our faith in Him is worthwhile. The disciples knew Jesus died, but in Luke 24:36-49, He appears to them to prove that He is risen.
36 As they were talking about these things, Jesus himself stood among them, and said to them, “Peace to you!” 37 But they were startled and frightened and thought they saw a spirit. 38 And he said to them, “Why are you troubled, and why do doubts arise in your hearts? 39 See my hands and my feet, that it is I myself. Touch me, and see. For a spirit does not have flesh and bones as you see that I have.” 40 And when he had said this, he showed them his hands and his feet. 41 And while they still disbelieved for joy and were marveling, he said to them, “Have you anything here to eat?” 42 They gave him a piece of broiled fish, 43 and he took it and ate before them. 44 Then he said to them, “These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you, that everything written about me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled.” 45 Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures, 46 and said to them, “Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead, 47 and that repentance for the forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. 48 You are witnesses of these things. 49 And behold, I am sending the promise of my Father upon you. But stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high.” – Luke 24:36-49
- Proof of resurrection
Just before this, Jesus had appeared to two of His followers. As they were telling the 11 disciples about the encounter, Jesus appeared to all of them. Jesus showed them that He had truly died, but now He has truly risen from the grave.
- Proof of plan
The disciples still did not fully grasp the importance of Jesus’ ministry, let alone His death and resurrection. He explains to them that this all happened to fulfill the law of Moses, the Psalms, and the Prophets. All of the Scripture pointed toward this event that God had planned long before it happened.
- Proof of purpose
The death of Jesus was not an accident, and the resurrection was not plan B. This was an intentional act of God. Jesus died to pay the price for our sins so that we can have salvation. He willingly died on the cross and rose from the grave so that we can be raised with Him into eternal life.
- Proof of commission
Receiving Christ is not the end of the story. We are not just called to claim salvation, but to proclaim it. Jesus makes it clear that once we put our faith in Him, it becomes our responsibility and privilege to share this great news with the world.
Jesus proved His love for us by dying on the cross, and then He appeared to the disciples to prove that He rose from the grave. Now we can be raised from death to life, so let’s live like Christ and show proof of life.
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