On the first Easter day, when Jesus rose from the dead, the Savior of the world appeared unexpectedly like a surprise celebrity, though His reception was much more mundane, much more ordinary, than celebrities today. Jesus’s resurrection seems like a whirlwind of appearances, and from these appearances emerge three narratives: God’s story is joyfully victorious, the world’s story is a response of denial and resistance, and the disciples’ story is a response choked by grief and unbelief.

Our joy now should be greater today because Jesus has stepped into our own lives, just like when He emerged from that tomb in triumph. And He doesn’t leave us but now abides us as we abide in Him! Are we moved by Jesus’ kindness in stepping into our world and staying with us? Are we stunned by His generosity, His mercy, His joy in meeting us where we are? Are we telling people about Jesus’ appearance to us?

Sermon Notes