Are You Living as a Faithful Witness of the Resurrection?

April 21, 2022

By Brooke Holt

“And we are witnesses of all that he did both in the country of the Jews and in Jerusalem. They put him to death by hanging him on a tree, but God raised him on the third day and made him to appear, not to all the people but to us who had been chosen by God as witnesses, who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead” (Acts 10:39–41).

Teaching Cornelius and the friends and family who have joined him, Peter shares about the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is the same message he shared on the day of Pentecost with the Israelites. That message is the Gospel, which means “good news.” Jesus, the perfect Son of God, was crucified, died, and was buried. Then, on the third day, he rose again. Peter (and many others) saw Jesus after his resurrection. Not only did he see Jesus, but Peter also ate with him, talked with him, and witnessed the evidence of his bodily resurrection.

That resurrection of Jesus Christ changed everything! Evil sought to destroy Jesus and silence the message of God's coming kingdom. As Jesus died on the cross, it looked like evil won. But God’s sovereign plan was at work—and even the evil acts at the cross were used to allow Jesus to become the spotless Lamb of God and take the punishment of sin upon himself. Peter was forgiven of his sins, and now these Gentiles could also be forgiven, making the way for a relationship with God the Father.

Peter was a chosen witness to this Gospel message. Cornelius and all who were gathered that day would also become witnesses to that message. Today, if you are a believer in Christ, you too are called to be a witness to this good news. The Gospel changes everything about your life. The Lord calls you out of darkness into his perfect light and out of sin into grace. Death is replaced with eternal life, and the Holy Spirit is given to lead God’s people in triumph over all the forces of evil in this world.

Has the Gospel changed you? If so, have you become a faithful witness of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ? The Gospel is for you, your family, your friends, your neighbors, and the world. How will people know what God has done for them? How will people find forgiveness and reconciliation to a holy God if we do not share the good news? Like Peter, we are entrusted with the most important message ever. Jesus Christ has risen from the grave, making the way for all those who trust in him to live a resurrected life!

Reflection:

Do you believe that message? If so, go and be his faithful witness—today and every day until you come into his glory! We would love to hear your thoughts in the comments.

Related Resource:

The Resurrected Life: Making All Things New - The Bible promises that those who are in Christ are "new creatures." But how does that transformation take place? This unique Easter-season small group Bible study provides a space in which we can discover what it truly means to live a new life. As we listen, we'll learn how the resurrection of Jesus Christ changes everything - for us. Begin the journey to new life today!