“The resurrection gives my life meaning and direction and the opportunity to start over no matter what my circumstances.” —Robert Flatt
Information alone rarely changes lives. But when someone experiences the truth, their future is often changed for good. This is certainly the case with Jesus. Sure, people's lives get changed for all sorts of different reasons, but the transformation that we see in the disciples’ lives is irrefutable evidence that they believed they had encountered the living Christ.
Remember the disciples back in the Garden of Gethsemane? At the first threat of real danger, “everyone deserted him and fled” (Mark 14:50). But then, “Bam!” Just like that, something changed. These guys became radical and fearless, willing to give their lives in the name of Jesus Christ. What happened?
On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, "Peace be with you!" After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord—John 20:19-20.
This encounter with the living Christ completely transformed them from men who were hiding behind “doors locked for fear of the Jews" into an unstoppable team. History and tradition show us that the disciples were tortured, exiled, and killed because they wouldn’t shut up about their encounter with the resurrected Christ.
James of Zebedee Beheaded, A.D. 44
Philip Scourged and crucified in Phrygia
Matthew Martyred in Ethiopia, A.D. 60
James Stoned and clubbed, A.D. 94
Matthias (Judas’ replacement) Stoned, beheaded
Andrew Crucified in Edessa
Peter Crucified
Bartholomew Beaten and crucified in India
Thomas Thrust with a spear
Simon the Zealot Crucified, A.D. 74
Judas of James Crucified in Edessa, A.D. 72
John Exiled to Patmos
We can truthfully say that billions of people can testify to the change that the resurrected Christ has made in their life! Yes, I believe that information is important. That's why we are so committed to telling the truth from the Scriptures. But it has to go from head knowledge to a living, relational experience with the risen Christ.
Is the focus of your faith simply informational? How would your life be changed if you lived in fuller awareness of the resurrected Jesus in you and with you today?
Risen Christ, I don't want to just know about You. I want more than just the facts that show You rose from the dead. My heart yearns for You. My heart seeks You. I am open to experiencing You today, on a personal level, in any way that You choose! Amen.
