Life after Resurrection
Again Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” And with that he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit.
John 20: 21-22 (NIV)
Shortly after Jesus’ death, Joseph of Arimathea asked Pilate for Jesus’ body to give Him a proper burial. While this might seem simple, the Gospel of John highlights that Joseph was a secret follower of Christ. As a member of the Jewish upper class (religious leaders and political figures aligned with Rome) Joseph risked his status, wealth, and reputation by openly identifying with Jesus. His request wasn’t just an act of love; it was a public declaration of faith to the highest authority of his time. In that moment, Joseph chose to live out his faith boldly.
It’s easy to hide behind money, status, or the identities the world gives us. It’s easy to be a Christian in private but silent in public. Fear of loss, rejection, or uncertainty often keeps us from openly living our faith. Yet, Jesus' sacrifice and resurrection call us to a deeper commitment. Knowing that He rose and continues to empower His disciples gives us hope today. Yes, there may be sacrifices when we live out our faith, but walking with Jesus daily is far more rewarding. When we take Him with us into the office, the grocery store, or the gym,we make space for Him to move in our lives and in the lives of those around us.
This way of living takes conscious effort, continuous grace, and commitment to learning. Here are a few lessons we should embrace:
Learning to slow down and focus on what matters:
When Peter and John heard the tomb was empty, they ran to see for themselves. John arrived first but only glanced inside. Peter took his time, fully stepping in to witness the miracle. His careful approach strengthened his faith and encouraged John’s faith. In our fast-paced world, we often rush past the moments where God is working. Slowing down helps us notice the faith-building miracles, messages, and moments that really matter.
Seeing Jesus as He is in each moment:
When Mary Magdalene saw the empty tomb, she wept until Jesus appeared and called her name. She reached for Him as she always had, but He told her not to hold on to Him. Jesus was inviting her to see Him not just as a comforter, but as the risen Savior with authority over sin and death. Likewise, we must recognize the fullness of who Christ is. He is our friend and comforter, but also our equipper and source of authority. He later sent Mary to spread the word of his resurrection, commissioning her as the first evangelist of the Church. As we learn to live with an open faith, we must be ready to interact with different aspects of Christ’s character and remember that, sometimes, He will call us to act in His authority more than He will call us into comfort.
Making Space for Vulnerability:
Later on, Jesus appeared to the disciples. This time, Thomas was present. When Thomas doubted, Jesus didn’t rebuke him, even though He had every right to. He invited Thomas to touch His scars, knowing that Thomas needed to see His humanity to believe. In a similar way, we are called to show people our humanity and vulnerability in a way that lets them know that their own scars are not too deep and that there is hope for healing. This does not mean that we let ourselves operate solely from a place of hurt and pain. Instead, we are to acknowledge the pain and the impact it had on us while remembering that Jesus delivered us and healed us/is healing us. This way, we can invite others into that place where we were hurt so that their own faith may grow and their revelation of Jesus might be greater.
Prayer: Jesus, help us to live with a Faith that is open and present in our daily lives. Teach us to be present in all of life’s moments and to connect with you as you are. Show us how to be vulnerable and make room for vulnerability in those around us. Amen.