JUST THINKING: After the Resurrection

I was just thinking, right after this day we call Easter, about what took place after the resurrection. As horrendous as the crucifixion was and as victorious as the resurrection was, what took place after the Lord’s victory over death, Hell and the grave was magnificent.

• It brought His earthly ministry to a conclusion. Many prophets spoke on the Almighty’s behalf for decades. Even in our era, some of those God has called to preach have done so for 60 years or more. But Jesus’ ministry was for only a brief three years. Yet in those three years, Christ did more for the plan and will of God than all the Lord’s servants combined — past, present and future.

• It revealed that Jesus had gone from a rabbi to Israel to a Savior of the world. During those three years of personal ministry, Jesus taught about the coming kingdom of God. Because they longed for Messiah to come, the people were disappointed when the Teacher was crucified. It was no act of happenstance that Jesus of Nazareth was nailed to that cross. It was the eternal plan of God Himself. It was the sacrificial Lamb who was, in the eyes of the Father, slain from the foundation of the world. What Jesus came to do — He did. That is why, on the cross, He cried, “It is finished!” Yet after His resurrection, the Lord spent 40 more days teaching His disciples. Before His death, He taught them to believe. After His resurrection, He taught them to evangelize — even in the face of persecution and death. He taught them to prepare others to become part of the kingdom of God.

• It was the time of transition from Teacher to Mediator. Those disciples 2,000 years ago, as well as the followers of Christ today, needed an intercessor. Jesus has always done the will of His Father. He continues that now and will continue forever. The apostle Paul wrote, “Christ Jesus who died — more than that who was raised to life — is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us” (Rom. 8:34 NIV). Believers are fragile, spiritually speaking. We are everlastingly saved, but as we dwell in the earth suits, we falter and fail. But Jesus, who died for us, also mediates on our behalf. “For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus” (I Tim. 2:5). Jesus went to the cross on our behalf, rose from the tomb on our behalf and speaks to the Father today on our behalf. We needed a Savior who died on the cross. We needed a Victor who arose from the grave. Now, we need a Mediator who loves us, cares for us and never takes His eyes off of us. Jesus is all of those!

• It was a time of promise and commissioning. Before His betrayal, His scourging, His crucifixion and His resurrection, Jesus had given His disciples two important promises. The first was that He would go to the Father, but He would come again. The second was that He would leave them a Comforter. Jesus is not just a promise maker, He is a promise keeper. He will come again! And He did provide for us the Holy Spirit. “I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high” (Luke 24:49). For days after the resurrection, the disciples were waiting to see just what it was their Master was sending and how it would be accomplished. They found out on the Day of Pentecost! The Holy Spirit came upon them and empowered them to do all that Jesus had prepared them to do.

The return of Christ is imminent. If Jesus, who is the Word of God, said it, then it’s true. But until He comes again, the Lord’s followers have been given a Great Commission. Jesus, the crucified, risen and coming again Son of God has done, is now doing and will do His part. It is now time to do our part. This is our Lord’s commission — our marching orders: “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely, I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (Matt. 28:19-20).