This Same Jesus!

Acts.1:¹¹who also said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven.” (NKJV, emphasis added).

This Same Jesus! It is easy to imagine Peter, James, John, and all the disciples in that gathering. But guess what? Picture Peter’s mother-in-law being there. This same Jesus who laid hands on her and healed her. To hear the angel say this same Jesus is coming back, she must have been like, wow! Now for someone like John, the beloved, or Peter, the fact that it is this same Jesus was huge. And it is because it is the same Jesus they followed, the same Jesus they loved, the same Jesus they lived for and will eventually die for. For us, we must realize that it is no other, there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we shall be saved. It is only this same Jesus, not another one. This same Jesus!

Easter is by far the most important celebration for the Christians. Why? Easter says that your past is forgiven. Jesus went to the cross of Calvary and took care of your past. Your past sin, your present sin, and your future sin were rolled away on the cross. Imagine that beauty—Past Forgiven! Jesus rose again on the third day. He did not stay in the grave. Jesus rising again on the third day means you have a Purpose For Living. There is a purpose for your life. You live for Jesus Christ. Jesus said to His disciples, “In My Father’s house, there are many mansions. And I am going to make a place for you (John 14:1-3, please read). Jesus ascending to heaven has gone ahead of us, being the first born, to create room for us in our Father’s House.

So, Easter is Past Forgiven, Purpose For Living, Home In Heaven, Jesus is Alive! Jesus is alive speaks to the fact that your past is forgiven, not will be forgiven. It is forgiven. You have a purpose for living. You are not just a rudderless ship, tossed to and fro. You have a purpose for living. And you have a home in heaven, prepared for you by Jesus Himself. You have a home in heaven. 1 Corinthians 15:¹⁹ “And if our hope in Christ is only for this life, we are more to be pitied than anyone in the world.” If there was no resurrection, if Jesus did not rise again from the dead, then we are more to be pitied than anyone in the world.

The fact that Jesus rose from the dead is so pivotal. If you are struggling with your faith, I think the first thing you need to establish is to see beyond reasonable doubt that Jesus actually rose from the dead. As soon as you can see that Jesus is alive and well, you are fine.

Prayer (song): I believe in Jesus: I believe He is the Son of God. I believe He died and rose again, I believe He paid for us all. And I believe He’s here now, Standing in our midst… Amen!