Resurrection Takes Practice John 20:1-10
Three days ago on Good Friday, Jesus died on the cross as punishment for the sins of mankind. Through his death our sins are forgiven. Jesus himself says from the cross, “It is finished.” If God’s plan to deal with sin is complete at the cross, why Easter Sunday? Isaiah 53:11, “After he has suffered, he will see the light of life…” Jesus’ resurrection fulfills prophesy about him.
But what if the resurrection never happened? “Jesus died, believe in him and you will live forever.” “Good story, but he’s still dead.” That’s not meant to be rude, but would people believe if God stopped at the cross? Would the Word of God have spread to every part of the earth if God had stopped at the cross? Remember, God doesn’t want you to have blind faith, but would anyone have true faith if God had stopped at the cross?
The resurrection is important in God’s plan of bringing salvation to the entire world throughout the millennia. The resurrection shows us Jesus’ victory over death. Our death is now just a moment out of our eternity. Jesus’ resurrection shows us that as believers we are justified before God, for only the justified can leave their grave and stand before God. It shows us our hope in the forgiveness of sins is well founded, only those forgiven of transgression, only those by faith who are seen as sinless, can be with Jesus before the throne of God. And Jesus resurrection shows all mankind that Jesus’ teachings are true, that what he claimed about God and redemption is true. And it guarantees his authority over our lives.
The resurrection shows the world that Jesus is the Son of God, and that it is his body and blood that saves us. The resurrection gives testimony that Jesus is our Lord and Savior. Without the resurrection our preaching would be powerless, and our faith absent of all substance; 1 Corinthians 15:14, “And if Christ had not been raised, our preaching is useless, and so is your faith.” If Jesus was not raised, none of us could trust the promises of God. Today, we can trust the promises of God.
There is more. If you look at the earliest paintings of the resurrection, Jesus is seen leading Adam and Eve out of the tomb. A great symbolism showing us that Jesus leads a fallen humanity to life.
Colossians 1:15, “The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation.” Like Jesus, we will be physically resurrected from the grave, but the resurrection can also show us that we can be resurrected in our lives. The resurrection is a sign that we all can move from self-destructive ways to more life-affirming ways. We can be connected to the divine Father now.
Jesus stands in front of our metaphysical tomb, leading us to be better people by showing us how to live with integrity, honesty, generosity, and compassion. Jesus stands in front of our philosophic tomb, the tomb of regret. Jesus can help us to let go of shame and move on with our lives. He stands in front of the tomb of bitterness. Jesus can help us forgive those who have hurt us and damaged us. He shows us how we can forgive, how to release our hearts to be open, and how to ease our minds. He stands in front of the tomb of sin. Jesus offers forgiveness, he affirms the love of God and the Almighty’s desire to be you. Jesus stands at the opening to the tombs of our lives, reaching out his hand and saying to us, “Because I live, you also will live.”
Scripture says Jesus walked out of the tomb. Jesus will not transport you out like in a Star Trek movie; you also have to walk out. Jesus will help, but you must take the steps to leave the tomb behind.
Poet Wendell Barry ended one of his works with this phrase, “Practice resurrection.” Practice resurrection is the idea that our resurrection is an active process we must participate in. Our resurrection involves incorporating the beliefs that endings are not necessarily final, that loss can be a way to a new beginning, and that hope can be found like a light in the darkest of times.
This takes time and practice. To practice resurrection, we must always “show up.” We must let Jesus help us build resilience in the face of adversity. We must let Jesus help us to find purpose in the midst of our struggle. We must let Jesus help us to see that sometimes God removes things from us as preparation for a new beginning. We must let Jesus help us develop a bearing of hope, even in our darkest times and places.
None of this is easy. So how do we let Jesus help us with our resurrection? Practice. When things happen, turn to Jesus. When things happen, look to Jesus to help. When things happen, trust Jesus; every time until it becomes automatic.
People who play sports practice until it becomes second nature. They practice until they have what is known as “muscle memory.” Practice resurrection each day, Turn to Jesus each day, every time you come up against anything that attempts to shut you in the tomb. Practice resurrection until you have “spirit memory.”
The resurrection shows us the truth of Jesus and the fulfillment of God’s promises. The resurrection also shows us that each day, with Jesus’ help, we can walk out of our old life, walk out of our pain, walk out of the circumstances that keep us behind the tomb’s stone. We can walk into life, life with peace, hope, promise, and God.
Happy Easter