Lord’s Library contributor Cindy Jones created this resource on Easter and the emotional depths of the resurrection for your edification. Check out Cindy’s blog: Hope for the Broken. Lord’s Library’s Ministry Leaders Series is a collection of contributed articles written by ministry leaders on key Christian topics.
This year Easter, better known as Resurrection Day, happens to fall on the same day as my Spiritual birthday or “Rebirthday.” This made me view things from a little different perspective.
With all that happened just before the crucifixion of Jesus and afterward, the disciples and other followers experienced a wide range of emotions. As we look at these feelings they had let’s see how we can apply some principles to our life today. Our main text is Luke 24:1-4 but we’ll be looking throughout the whole chapter.
Luke 24:1-4 reads: “Now upon the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they came unto the sepulchre, bringing the spices which they had prepared, and certain others with them. And they found the stone rolled away from the sepulchre. And they entered in, and found not the body of the Lord Jesus. And it came to pass, as they were much perplexed thereabout, behold, two men stood by them in shining garments:”
Luke 24:5-6 reads: “And as they were afraid, and bowed down their faces to the earth, they said unto them, Why seek ye the living among the dead? He is not here, but is risen: remember how he spake unto you when he was yet in Galilee,”
Easter & the Emotional Depths of the Resurrection
Confusion
See Luke 24:1-4 above.
In the original Greek language, the word “perplexed” means “to be left wanting, to be embarrassed, to be in doubt, not to know which way to turn.” Imagine the thoughts they must have had swarming around in their minds. Could this really be? What if it isn’t, where is his body? Thankfully, Jesus isn’t bothered by our questions. He doesn’t condemn us for having questions. He would rather us ask the questions than ignore him.
Fear & Sadness
See Luke 24:17 and Luke 24:5:
- Luke 24:17: “And he said unto them, What manner of communications are these that ye have one to another, as ye walk, and are sad?
- Luke 24:5: “And as they were afraid, and bowed down their faces to the earth, they said unto them, Why seek ye the living among the dead?”
What were they afraid of? I think they wondered if they had been duped by Jesus. Was He really who He said he was? Did He fool us? They fear for their lives wondering if they would be arrested, or even killed also because of their association with Jesus. Think about it, Peter denied Jesus. You might say, “Well I would never deny the Lord.” But have you ever had an opportunity to speak up for him and didn’t because you were afraid of being embarrassed?
Joy
See Luke 24:30-32:
- Luke 24:30-32: “And it came to pass, as he sat at meat with them, he took bread, and blessed it, and brake, and gave to them. And their eyes were opened, and they knew him; and he vanished out of their sight. And they said one to another, Did not our heart burn within us, while he talked with us by the way, and while he opened to us the scriptures?”
Think about this – right in the middle of their sadness Jesus was right there and they didn’t even know it until He opened their eyes. Once we recognize that Jesus is revealing Himself to us and we acknowledge Him, great joy comes into our lives. I don’t know about you, but before Jesus was in my life I had no joy, no hope, just negative thoughts and feeling down all the time.
As believers joy should be a mark of our lives. That’s not to say we never have tough times but that we don’t have to allow the tough times to steal our peace and joy.
Doubt
See Luke 24:9-11 and Luke 24:35-38:
- Luke 24:9-11: “And returned from the sepulchre, and told all these things unto the eleven, and to all the rest. It was Mary Magdalene, and Joanna, and Mary the mother of James, and other women that were with them, which told these things unto the apostles. And their words seemed to them as idle tales, and they believed them not.
- Luke 24:35-38: “And they told what things were done in the way, and how he was known of them in breaking of bread. And as they thus spake, Jesus himself stood in the midst of them, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you. But they were terrified and affrighted, and supposed that they had seen a spirit. And he said unto them, Why are ye troubled? and why do thoughts arise in your hearts?”
Ever have someone tell you something and you’re like “Yeah right…” And then later you found it to be so? I can only imagine the doubts that must have flooded their minds when things happened as they did. After hearing testimonies, they wondered; “Is it true that He’s risen?” Just like us, they didn’t remember the promises He had given. How many times do we go through a trial, and we forget about earlier trials that God brought us through? Doubt: we all experience it at times.
Adoration
See Luke 24:47-53:
- Luke 24:47-53: “And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. And ye are witnesses of these things. And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high. And he led them out as far as to Bethany, and he lifted up his hands, and blessed them. And it came to pass, while he blessed them, he was parted from them, and carried up into heaven. And they worshipped him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy: And were continually in the temple, praising and blessing God. Amen.”
This is the heart of the Easter Story – worship; we’re to worship Jesus as King of Kings and Lord of Lords. He is risen indeed! According to verses Luke 24: 47 and 48, once we have received Jesus into our lives it gives a sense of mission. We’re now to be His witnesses telling others of the hope found in a relationship with Jesus Christ. And in our mission, we’re to preach verse 47: “repentance and remission of sins.”
You see my friend; one cannot experience the joy and worship of the Lord until they first have repented of their sin and surrendered their life to Jesus Christ. Does that mean life is problem-free after salvation? Not at all! But we now have the Lord to walk with us through those difficult times.
I would like to close with a quote from a pastor (Tom Lovorn) that was used in a recent sermon I read: “With hope, you can claim the Holy Spirit’s guidance and power. And, with a mission, you will have a reason for being where you are. You’ll be purpose-driven to win your world for Jesus. Your whole image – the way you dress, talk, and walk; your attitude and outlook; your reaction to people and things – everything about you will be different. When people ask you, “What happened to you?” You can answer, “Easter happened, that’s what!”
Until next time, let’s rejoice that we have a risen Savior!
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