Day 32: Resurrection: Proof of Power

On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors being locked where the disciples were for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.” John 20:19


Remember the miracle of the paralyzed man who was lowered through the roof? The religious leaders thought Jesus’ claim to forgive sins was blasphemy, so He also healed the man. Telling the man to get up and walk was proof that Jesus had the power and authority to forgive sins, too. 

The resurrection is a similar proof. Jesus died to forgive the sins of everyone who repents, but forgiveness can’t be physically seen. His resurrection is proof that He really is God. If He has the power and authority to rise from the dead, He must also have the power and authority to forgive sins.

If the resurrection is proof of change, it also changes things. We already saw that Jesus’ physical body was raised, but yet His resurrected body was different than it was before His crucifixion. He could eat and be touched like a typical person, but He had some new abilities. He could appear locked rooms, and the book of Luke mentions one occasion when Jesus suddenly vanished in front of some men He had been speaking with.

His resurrection also gave His followers great courage and increased their faith. Following Jesus’ death, the disciples were fearful. They gathered in a locked room, fearing the religious leaders who killed Jesus. After Jesus rose again, appeared to them, and gave them
the Holy Spirit, they gained the courage to preach the gospel to all people, even confronting those religious leaders. They traveled to every part of the Roman Empire and to North Africa and preached to both Jews and gentiles. Many of them even died for their beliefs. Jesus’ resurrection changed the whole world. 
 
Questions for reflection and discussion

  • How did the changes to Jesus change His followers?
  • How does Jesus resurrection change your life? 

Prayer
Dear God, We ask that you would give us the courage to be changed by Your resurrection. Help us repent, and Make us messengers of your Gospel like the disciples were. In Jesus’ name, amen.