Easter Sunday
In one of our Zoom small group meetings, I walked the teens through some videos in a series by Sean McDowell on Right Now Media, titled, “The 10 Most Misunderstood Verses In The Bible.” In each video, Sean would in some way bring up the fact that in order to understand the verse in question correctly, we need to look at the context in which it was written.
Sometimes, I think the longer I am a follower of Christ, the greater the risk I run of turning the words I read into an intellectual undertaking and overlook the power and depth of the event. The Scriptures are more than just stories in a book — they are historical accounts of real-life events.
One of my favorite verses in all of Scripture is Matthew 28:16 – 20. I love it because it provides Christians with a clear purpose. Our Goal is to make disciples! The context of this interaction between Jesus and his disciples, in my mind, makes this story come alive.
Jesus starts by saying, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me” (Matthew 28:18). 21st-century Christians know this fact about Christ. We’ve studied it and seen this truth revealed throughout Scripture. However, think about how different it would be to hear these words from Jesus himself instead of reading about them. Jesus, the man whom you spent years doing ministry with, and had just been beaten and executed, is now somehow standing in front of you speaking with you. It makes the understanding of the authority he has a little different, doesn’t it? Instead of an intellectual understanding that Christ has all authority, you are now witnessing a real-life application of that authority because Jesus somehow defeated death.
I love guitar solos. For some reason, they connect with me on a deep level. However, someone describing to me which scale they are using for the solo they are going to play doesn’t hit me the same way as listening to someone play the solo. Remembering that Jesus is saying these words while accomplishing the impossible gives extra emphasis to the words, “all authority.” Remembering Jesus’ display of authority over death makes what He says next carry more weight.
“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:19 – 20).
When I remember that Jesus was “dead” a few days before saying these words, it makes me think twice about my thoughts and actions. “Who am I to say now’s not the time to have that Gospel conversation?” or “Why would I ever dare doubt God’s promise of faithfulness?” or “How could I question whether God is powerful enough to accomplish any task?”
You see, the resurrection of Christ gives power to the entirety of the Gospel. It fuels and confirms every promise of God because it is the application of the truth that Christ has power, dominion, and authority over all things (Ephesians 1:20 – 23). This weekend, we celebrate the resurrection of Christ. As we go throughout life in the coming days, weeks, and months, may we keep in the forefront of our mind not just the knowledge that Christ rose from the dead, but may we allow that truth to transform how we view every command and promise of God and every situation we encounter, because, “He Is Risen!”
Adam