HE IS RISEN….HE IS RISEN INDEED?

For most churches on this Easter Sunday…the responsive statement will be uttered with upturned faces and broad smiles…”Jesus is Risen… He is Risen Indeed!” And as somewhat usual to my processing…I had to ask… “INDEED? REALLY?” Are you sure? Webster defines the word INDEED as without a doubt, truly or unquestionably.

Part of my question came from this early Easter morning…my study took me through the last few days of Christ’s Journey here on earth through the eyes and heart of the Apostle John…who was otherwise known as the “Disciple Jesus Loved.” What powerful imagery and story as John navigates us through the last supper with Jesus washing his disciples feet, the breaking of the bread one last time, Judas falling prey to Satan and betraying Jesus, the trial, and his crucifixion. And through all of this time, we see how different people reacted- Peter at one point being protective by cutting off the ear of Malchus…then in just a few hours…he was denying the fact that he even knew Jesus at all. Caiaphas the high priest and Pilate the Roman Governor-both acting tough toward Jesus…but neither wanting to exact the death penalty justice the Jewish mob wanted. And then we have the women and the disciple Jesus loved-willing to risk their own lives…were “front row” during the crucifixion. Not to mention Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus, both “closet” followers to this point, openly taking responsibility for Jesus’ body and its preparation for burial. I am sure if you could have asked any of these people…the only “INDEED” would be uttered in response to his death!

And then, on the third day after this heinous event…the world was changed…”JESUS IS RISEN” was confessed not by a man… but first by the empty tomb…as witnessed by Mary Magdalene followed by Peter and John. It took two angels and Jesus himself for his disciples and those close to him to even tender the thought that he had conquered death and was very much alive and well and with them…INDEED! I love John’s “note ” at the end of chapter 20,

“Jesus did many other miraculous signs in the presence of his disciples which are not recorded in this book. But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God and that believing you may have life in his name.”

Jesus’ death and resurrection was done on all of our behalf…a free gift from God so that no one could ever mistake he or she might just be good enough…or work hard enough to earn it on their own! His death and resurrection opened the door to eternity…we are invited to enter that life in his name as we believe Jesus is the Christ…the Son of God. When we do…our lives…so much louder than any voice can ever, proclaims the truth…”JESUS IS RISEN … HE IS RISEN… truly…without a doubt…unquestionably…INDEED…INDEED…INDEED!!!

A truthfully Happy Easter to you all...INDEED!