Easter MattersSample

Written by Jimmy Shepherd - Planting Pastor of City on a Hill Tweed

The disciple’s fear at Jesus’ sudden appearance is not surprising. People simply don’t come back from the dead! But as they were invited to touch Jesus and eat with him, they were put at ease so they would have clarity about what happens next.

That clarity came when Jesus opened their minds. Just as Jesus unveiled himself to the disciples on the road, and the rest of the disciples, he now unveils his Word, so they would have clarity about their mission. To be witnesses of the good news, proclaiming the forgiveness of sins to all the nations.

It should not be lost on us that we are being addressed too. For anyone who has had their eyes opened knows forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed to all nations. We along with the disciples have become witnesses also. We are not to remain in our wonderful disbelief, but to embrace the reality of Jesus’ resurrection and share the good news with others.

For the disciples there was reason to wait before sharing the good news. Jesus was going to send what his Father promised (the Holy Spirit) who would empower them for this mission. For just as they needed the help of Jesus to understand the scriptures, so will their hearers, those they witness too. Jesus would soon depart, but he would make sure that the power he has, would be theirs, so much so they would be ‘clothed with power’ ensuring the effectiveness of their mission.

When we share the good news about Jesus we don’t do it our own, we speak words empowered by the Spirit, that are able to open the eyes of the blind, enabling to respond in faith to their Lord and saviour.

Today ponder this:

As you enter into your day, clothed in power, who are you sharing the good news of Jesus with?