Many today do not realize that Jesus Christ died to atone for their sins.  Some don’t believe even what they have done can be covered by the precious blood of Jesus.  Because they can’t accept these things they do not even get to the heart of the Gospel message.  This is found in 1 Corinthians 15 and is summed up by Paul as the death, burial and resurrection of God’s Son, Jesus Christ.  In the text through verse 11, we see the appearance of Jesus to several persons who had characteristics that tell us that Jesus’ resurrection was for all, if only they would respond to Him in love, trust and faith.

Among those Jesus appeared to were:  Peter, one who said he would stand by Jesus’ side even to the death, who eventually denied his Lord three times; the apostles who had spent over three years with Him who also declared they would die with Jesus if necessary, they were so strong in this that when Jesus was arrested they scattered and deserted their Lord; the common man (more than 500) was privileged to see the risen Savior, they weren’t special aside from being His disciples and followers, yet they were given the great privilege of seeing Jesus again; James the unbeliever; the brother of Jesus did not believe He was the promised messiah while He ministered to Israel, but we know that Paul refers to him as a believer in his letter to the Galatians; and lastly Jesus appeared to the persecutor Paul, the one attempting to eradicate the church. 

Each of these people had their faith in a personal resurrection reinforced by the appearance of a resurrected Jesus.  Don’t you know they were much more confident in proclaiming the Good News as a result of His appearing?  We also see that the resurrection isn’t for those who are perfect.  Each of those He appeared to had faults that were overcome.  Do you see yourself as a denier?  A deserter?  Maybe an unbeliever or even a common person.  Maybe you are a persecutor of God’s people.  If so, you can be forgiven and receive the gift that is available through Jesus’ death, burial and resurrection.  We need only to put our obedient faith to work as we serve our risen Lord.  How do we do that?  We’ll be glad to let you know if you will only contact us.  God Bless.

Copyright © 2003, Nolan P. Rutter