The U.S. Constitution is not being interpreted according to the author’s intended meaning in the name of modernity. In other words, the U.S. Constitution is antiquated and needs to be interpreted based on changes taking place in the form of modern ideology. In the same manner, the Bible, and in particular, Easter, is being misinterpreted by many so-called Christians today. The resurrection of the Lord cannot be merely a memory but a constant reality personally and relationally for every believer.
Unfortunately, there are Christians who agree and understand the resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ in theory and doctrine but not in practice. When it comes to Easter, the resurrection has no place and function in their hearts. Even though the resurrection of Jesus Christ is of utmost importance to salvation and the Christian’s walk, it is sadly forfeited in people’s daily lives.
The Bible says that Jesus Christ physically rose from the dead two thousand years ago and sits on the right hand of the Father today. However, some doubters did not believe that Jesus had really risen from the dead at that time and it goes the same today. Scripture states that there were more than five hundred eyewitnesses who saw the risen Lord. There are countless pieces of evidence to affirm the resurrection of Jesus historically occurred.
In today’s text, Marth demonstrates how she was wrong in her thinking in the following ways:
- Martha limits Jesus to the physical when she says, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died” (v 21a).
- Martha limits Jesus as her view of his deity as subordinate to God the Father (v 21b).
Jesus responds by saying, “Your brother will rise again” (v 22). By this simple statement, Jesus manifests his power and ability. However, Martha’s problem still is that she limits Jesus again by saying the resurrection is in the future on the last day (v 23).
But the ultimate reality Jesus reveals to Martha is that he is “I am”, the God who is unchanging and not limited to time. Jesus also shows that he is Yahweh, which is God’s personal name who is self-existent and self-sufficient or more concretely meaning “He who lives”.
Jesus also reveals that he is the resurrection and the life. In other words, Jesus is saying that he is the author, giver, and maintainer of life; and that life is himself (CH Spurgeon). Moreover, when people face physical death, it is just the beginning for the Christian as their spirit enters into eternity with God.
The reality of the resurrection of the Lord is not only applicable on Easter but every day. The reality of the resurrection life is promised to anyone who believes in Jesus (Jn. 11:26). Therefore, the Easter message is so powerful and Christians must never hold this truth to themselves but declare it to all.
Do you believe in the resurrection of Jesus Christ? Believing in Jesus brings salvation and eternal life. “If you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved; for with the heart a person believes, leading to righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, leading to salvation” (Rom. 10:9-10).
How can the Christian believe in the reality of Easter not as a memory but as a lifestyle? We must truly believe in the gospel of Jesus Christ (1 Cor. 15:1-4). The disciples of Christ were transformed and relevant as they truly believed in the gospel and the risen Lord. They constantly thought about the risen Lord which resulted in active faith (Acts 4:20). We must seek to enter into the fellowship with Jesus and his risen life (CH Spurgeon). When the reality of the risen Lord is constantly at the forefront of our thoughts and lives, it will become a lifestyle.
BIBLE COMMUNITY CHURCH 
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