John 16:16-24; 20:1-18, 30-31
In the Gospel of John, Jesus Christ’s words in John 16:1, “These things I have spoken to you, that you should not be made to stumble,” were meant to strengthen the hearts of His disciples and make them stand firm. As Jesus prepared to leave the disciples, He promised to send the Holy Ghost, who would represent Him on earth.
The Promise of the Holy Ghost
Jesus urged the disciples not to faint in their hearts or let sorrow fill their hearts, for everything He was doing was meant to give them leverage to be called sons of God. The disciples struggled to understand Jesus’ words, particularly when He said, “A little while.” However, Jesus encouraged them to take heart, for their sorrow would be turned into joy.
The Illustration of a Woman in Labor
Jesus used the illustration of a woman in labor to demonstrate the transformation the disciples would experience. Just as a woman in labor experiences pain and joy, the disciples would experience sorrow and then joy when they saw Jesus again.
The Resurrection Story
The story of Jesus’ resurrection is a powerful testament to His power and love. As Mary Magdalene discovered the empty tomb, Jesus revealed Himself to her and commissioned her to tell Peter and the other disciples that He had risen (John 20:1-18).
The Significance of the Resurrection
The resurrection of Jesus Christ is a cornerstone of our faith. It demonstrates God’s power over death and sin, and it gives us hope for eternal life. As the apostle Paul wrote, “If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved” (Romans 10:9).
Our Response to the Resurrection
As believers, we must wholeheartedly accept the story of the risen Christ and live according to its truth. We must also spread the gospel to everyone, giving them the opportunity to accept or reject it. As Jesus commissioned His disciples, “Go and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19).
Spreading the Gospel with Integrity, Zeal, and Wisdom
To spread the gospel effectively, we must do so with integrity, zeal, and wisdom. This means:
- Sharing the gospel in a way that is authentic and true to the message of Jesus Christ
- Being passionate and enthusiastic about sharing the gospel with others
- Being wise and sensitive to the needs and concerns of those we are sharing the gospel with
In conclusion, the resurrection of Jesus Christ is a powerful reminder of God’s love and power. May we continue to trust in His power and love, and may we spread the gospel with integrity, zeal, and wisdom. As we wait for His second coming, let us fulfill the assignment given to us by Jesus, using the resources we have acquired to reach the world.
Prayer Points
- Give thanks for the gift of salvation through Jesus Christ.
- Ask God to give you the strength and courage to share the gospel with others.
- Pray for wisdom and sensitivity as you share the gospel with others.
- Ask God to bless your efforts to spread the gospel and to give you opportunities to share it with others.
- Pray for the church and its mission to spread the gospel to all nations.
