Wisdom from the Word

April 8, 2012

Vineland, Ontario

Rev. Pieter VanderMeyden led the Vineland congregation in celebrating the resurrection of our Saviour this morning.  He read from Luke 24, focusing on verses 36-43.  The theme was Jesus Makes His Disciples Witnesses of His Resurrection. 

 

1) He made them witnesses by His repeated appearances.  The ten appearances of Jesus between His resurrection and ascension were the means Christ used to equip His disciples.  He brought them a gospel full of comfort, but the disciples did not believe it.  It sounded to them like “idle tales.”  For many in our culture, the resurrection sounds like an idle tale.  A quote:  “Chocolate brings more comfort to their bodies than the resurrection brings comfort to their souls.”

2) He made them witnesses by His confirming signs.  Jesus gave them signs for four senses:  Hearing (v. 36), sight (39), touch (39), and common sense (41).  He is further equipping the disciples to preach the resurrected Christ with power, conviction, and assurance.  There is much evidence of this preaching in the book of Acts.  Christ showed Himself convincingly to His disciples, but the question remains, “How do we become believers in this resurrection?”

3) He made them witnesses through His Word and Spirit.  This is the main way believers are brought to the conviction of the truth of the resurrection.  Jesus constantly referred to the Old Testament Scriptures, proving that they are an infallible means of faith.  He did not use visible signs on the road to Emmaus.  He simply spoke and let His Spirit work.  We have this sufficient means to make us witnesses of the resurrection.  God’s people need to come to God’s house prepared and expectant for the Holy Spirit to open their understanding.  A quote:  “Thomas, don’t miss the Lord’s Day where you are called to be.”  Each Lord’s Day, God equips His people through the power of His word and Spirit.

He is risen indeed!