Resurrection Power

The apostles were depressed, and who could blame them? They had gathered, along with other family members (9), and were overwhelmed with a sense of hopelessness. Their dream had been shattered. Jesus was dead.

Meanwhile, the women rushed back with an unbelievable story, which the men promptly dismissed (11). Claiming to have seen a dead man walking was not only hard to accept, but culturally, such a story from women would be viewed with suspicion since in first-century Palestine, women had little credibility. “It is an interesting point to consider: one of the main proofs that the resurrection story is credible is realization that the first-century church would never have created a story whose main first witnesses were women” (Darrell Bock).

To his credit, Peter was curious so he took off to see for himself.  But seeing “the strips of linen lying by themselves” was not enough to convince him; he was puzzled and left wondering (12; see also John 20:10) but he did not yet fully believe. How ironic that the first skeptics were Jesus’ apostles.

Perhaps in some ways we can identify with Peter.  Those who are by nature skeptical today know the feeling, and find themselves in the apostolic tradition!  But once the followers of Jesus finally became convinced that he was alive (Luke 24:36-49 their hopelessness was replaced by hope, and they were filled with resurrection power (1 Pet. 1:3ff).  The Risen Lord Jesus releases the same resurrection power for us today. As Leighton Ford describes it: “Christ offers not rules, but release. Not laws, but life. Not good advice, but good news. Not a new leaf, but a new birth. Not your power, but his!”

Recall times when you experienced God’s resurrection power in your life. How did it affect you? Share that experience with someone.