Jesus lives! The proof in seven points

“Then He said to them, ‘Thus it is written, and thus it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead the third day, and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. And you are witnesses of these things” (Luke 24: 46–48). This was the Bible text the Chief Apostle used for his divine service in Nottingham (England) on 1 April 2018.

Chief Apostle Jean-Luc Schneider first of all touched on the events that followed after Easter: the Risen One appeared to His disciples several times. Some of these appearances were so spectacular that there was no question at all that it was the Lord. And sometimes they only recognised Him by His nature, by looking a little more closely.

Jesus lives! The witnesses then

Either way, the disciples were convinced: Jesus is no longer among the dead. Jesus lives! His resurrection was proof for them

• that good had triumphed over evil, love over hate, and truth over lies.
• that His teaching was the truth: God is a God of grace and love; He does not want to condemn the sinner but forgive him.
• that Jesus was still present and about His work; He is still active.
• that what He promises will be fulfilled: He told us that He would lead us into His kingdom.

“This is how they became witnesses of the resurrection of Jesus Christ,” the Chief Apostle said. “They proclaimed it everywhere. God is stronger than evil. God is a God of love and grace. He lives and works in our midst. He will lead us into His kingdom. No one will be able to prevent Him from doing that.”

Jesus lives! The evidence today

“Now let’s come to our time,” the Chief Apostle continued. “Sometimes we have encounters with God, and we realise that can only be God because no human being can do that.” Other times we encounter Jesus, but do not immediately recognise Him because we see a human being. However, when we listen carefully to what this person says and see what he or she does, we realise: it is Jesus who is speaking and acting through this person.

“We believe and experience that Jesus has risen. He lives, He is active! Let us profess this,” the Chief Apostle invited the believers.

• Jesus lives! He is not a man of the past. He is connected to real life. The Holy Spirit reveals to us what Jesus has to say about today’s circumstances.
• There is no reason for us to fear because we know that Jesus is in control. He is here.
• We follow the Apostles because we know that Jesus is with them. We believe in His promise: “I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
• Let us testify through our conduct that Jesus is active today and forgives our sins. Let us prove that we have heard the message and sin no more.
• Those who are aware of Jesus’ presence are humble. They try not to impose their will on others. They do not insist that their concerns are far more important than what others have to deal with.
• Those who are aware of the presence of Jesus do not accuse. We do not judge our neighbour. We do not want God to punish him, but to save him.
• Jesus is also present in our hearts. We have received His Spirit, His life. The more influence the Spirit gains in us the better He can prepare us for our resurrection.

“We celebrate the victory of good over evil. We celebrate the victory of truth over lies,” the Chief Apostle said in preparation for the celebration of Holy Communion. “We are aware that Jesus is the strongest, and that strengthens our faith and trust in God. People of God, don’t fear! Trust Jesus! He is in control. He will fulfil His promise and lead the faithful into His kingdom. Don’t be afraid! Follow Him faithfully. He will take care of the rest.”