"So when it was evening on that day, first day of the week, and when the doors were shut where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in their midst and said to them, 'Peace be with you.' And when He had said this, He showed them both His hands and His side. The disciples then rejoiced when they saw the Lord" John 20:19,20.
Since Jesus had been crucified, we can understand how the disciples thought they were next in line for arrest and possible execution. They hid themselves behind locked doors. No doubt they imagined the worst.
But Jesus miraculously appeared to them. Was it His ghost? If that was their thinking, Jesus dispelled that thought, by asking them to touch His wounds. Not only were His hands and side real, so were the wounds in them.
Because He lives, all believers will live beyond our graves too! Earlier in His ministry Jesus said, "He who believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life" (John 3:16). What a powerful life!
There will come a time for all of us when our bodies will lie still and lifeless -just as Jesus' body once did. But Easter Sunday, Jesus moved among the disciples and they touched His living hands. In the living Savior they saw the truth of their own resurrection and eternal life.
We find it in Him too. One day, our hands will be still and lifeless. But on another day, Jesus will call you and me out of our graves. Then our hands will move again! ...and we'll have new living, eternal, glorified bodies like His -all because His cross and tomb are empty!
He lives!
Easter gives you the courage to face each challenge, each tragedy, each misery of life. You know you will rise from the dead, because He did. With that faith and knowledge, your life here on earth takes on a new dimension -an eternal dimension. That's why its called "eternal life." Jesus lives, the victory's won!
"Jesus Lives! The Victory's Won"
by Christian F. Gellert, 1715-1769
Translated by Frances E. Cox, 1812-1897
1. Jesus lives! The victory's won!
Death no longer can appal me;
Jesus lives! Death's reign is done!
From the grave Christ will recall me.
Brighter scenes will then commence;
This shall be my confidence.
2. Jesus lives! To Him the throne
High o'er heaven and earth is given.
I shall go where He is gone,
Live and reign with Him in heaven.
God is faithful. Doubtings, hence!
This shall be my confidence.
3. Jesus lives! For me He died,
Hence will I, to Jesus living,
Pure in heart and act abide,
Praise to Him and glory giving.
Freely God doth aid dispense;
This shall be my confidence.
4. Jesus lives! I know full well
Naught from me His love shall sever;
Life nor death nor powers of hell
Part me now from Christ forever.
God will be a sure Defense;
This shall be my confidence.
5. Jesus lives! and now is death
But the gate of life immortal;
This shall calm my trembling breath
When I pass its gloomy portal.
Faith shall cry, as fails each sense,
Jesus is my confidence!
