Experiencing the resurrected Jesus

An Easter devotional by Dustin Fulton,
preaching minister at Jefferson Street Christian Church

[March 16, 2013]  ^"I wish I would have been there to see it with my own two eyes." Certainly you've uttered the phrase after missing your favorite team's big win or your best friend's big moment in the spotlight. As great as it was to hear about the event, it just isn't the same unless you were there to experience it yourself.

There's a story in the Bible where two friends share the same feelings. The story is found in Luke 24. Jesus had just been crucified three days earlier. They were some of his followers and they were heartbroken. Now as they walk between two towns, they begin to discuss the rumor that somehow Jesus had resurrected from the dead. Still saddened and very much confused, they are approached by a stranger on the road who has seemingly been living in a hole the past week. He knows nothing about this story. So they begin to tell him about it. He obviously wasn't there to see it either, right?

As they walk, they talk about how they had hoped Jesus was the promised king, but that he wound up being crucified. Suddenly the one walking beside them seemingly becomes an expert and unpacks the Scriptures for them to help them see that this had all been prophesied.

They were dumbfounded by his wisdom and understanding, so they invite him to come and dine with them. While they are dining, this stranger takes bread, breaks it, and suddenly they realize that their mystery guest is really the resurrected Jesus! Immediately Jesus disappears, but they leave that room forever changed, as people who have experienced the resurrected Jesus.

So often when I read the Scriptures, I wish that I could have been there to see the resurrected Jesus with my own two eyes. But when I read this account in Luke, I realize that is exactly what Jesus wants for us, too. Rather than just tell us the story of the disciples coming to the empty tomb, Luke tells this account so that we, too, can experience the resurrected Jesus.

It isn't enough to merely hear about the resurrection. Jesus wants us to experience him firsthand. He interrupts us on our journeys of sadness and confusion and offers us hope and life.

How will you respond to Christ's interruption of your journey? This Easter, will you invite Jesus to bring resurrection to you?

[By DUSTIN FULTON, preaching minister, Jefferson Street Christian Church]