THE ULTIMATE SIGN
John 20:1–2, 11–18
Cliffe Knechtle is a Christian apologist, speaker and evangelist who has garnered a significant following across the nation. Many in his audience are unbelievers or doubters who are hostile and even rude. His primary ministry engages college students on their campuses and has friendly — albeit deep — debates about God, the Bible and Christianity. Many times, the students approach him angrily and are ready to attack verbally, while others genuinely seek answers. Knechtle never retaliates with anger but has a heart to see young people come to faith in Christ. His primary method when sharing the gospel is to emphasize the love of Christ toward sinners and the forgiveness He offers.
How can he do this with such confidence? The answer: the resurrection of Jesus. You and I can also have assurance in our testimony and faith because of the incredible story and signs of the first Easter morning.
We share more in common with the people of Jesus’ day than you realize. They were always looking for a sign to confirm Christ as the Messiah.
Time and time again, Jesus proved His deity to all who were willing to believe. His resurrection is the ultimate sign. It is the great exclamation mark of His earthly ministry.
Jesus’ tomb was empty. (1–2)
When those original visitors came to the tomb of Jesus, there is no doubt their grief was still raw and heavy. They had witnessed the horrible execution of Jesus. His bloody body was beaten almost beyond recognition. He had been mocked, cursed and ridiculed just three days earlier. However, their grief turned to fear upon realizing His burial place had been compromised. Surely, they concluded, someone had stolen the body of Christ, and it was more than they could bear. In a panic, they ran to Simon Peter and implored him to help.
Jesus is alive. (11–16)
Have you ever stopped to ponder that Jesus chose to reveal to the world that He was alive? He could have been resurrected and returned to the Father without making it known to anyone. Of course, He decided not to do that.
By appearing, He solidified the faith of others and alleviated their concerns about His death. This truth is essential to our salvation. Because He overcame death through the ultimate sign of resurrection, we too can live forever. May we never be so discouraged that we forget that each day Jesus is still alive. It is the cornerstone of our relationship with God and spurs us to be obedient.
We must share the message of the resurrected Christ. (17–18)
Resurrection news is too good to keep to ourselves. When you consider the price Jesus paid for our pardon, the agony He endured and the love He has for us, it should compel us to share this with others.
Imagine if those early believers would have chosen not to share the stories of a risen Lord. Two thousand years later, we are still telling the same story, not because we have nothing better to do but because there will never be a more extraordinary story worth repeating.
This Easter, you will hear the story told again. Consider the wonder, beauty and love this story portrays. Who do you know who needs to listen to it, maybe for the first time? Invite that person to your church this Sunday, and pray this will be the Easter they will never forget. He is alive! He is alive indeed!
EDITOR’S NOTE — The Sunday School lesson outlines are provided by Lifeway.
By Bobby McKay
Pastor of New Liberty Baptist Church in Morton, Mississippi
