Embrace His Death and Resurrection
It is Written – Part 1

Scripture Reading: Luke 24:45-49

Key Verse: Luke 24:46

He told them, “This is what is written: The Christ will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day

After Jesus’ resurrection, He appeared to His disciples to reinstate their faith in Him.  He knew that doubts were rising as He indicated in Luke 24:38: “Why are you troubled, and why do doubts rise in your minds?”  Of course the disciples were startled by Jesus’ appearance and even thought He was a ghost.  I don’t think this reaction surprises most of us.  I think we would react in a similar fashion had we witnessed the death of a man and then see Him walking around three days later.

            But this whole scene is far more significant than its shock value.  It really completes Christmas; it is why Jesus came to earth in the first place.  I realize that we normally focus on this scene in the Easter season.  The fact is: Jesus’ death and resurrection ought to be tied to Christmas as well.  The birth and His resurrection from the dead are “book covers” to the great story of our salvation!

            If we are to embrace Jesus, we must embrace His death and resurrection.  It amazes me when people want to believe in Jesus, yet reject the miracle of His resurrection.  The only reason we are still talking about Jesus in this present age is because of His resurrection.  Without the resurrection Jesus would remain in the history books as another dead prophet, but Jesus is very much alive; being raised from the grave by the power of God!

Father, I embrace your Son Jesus.  I embrace every aspect of His life, death, and resurrection.  In His name I pray, amen.