Easter Sunday

When Jesus Shows Up

Pastor Andy Alberts

I know I shouldn’t be, but sometimes I can be pretty pessimistic. Thoughts bounce around in my head: “Things won’t work out. The future is bleak. There is nothing that can be done.” It’s easy to get wrapped up in fears and insecurities.

The Easter account of Luke 24 finds the disciples down on life. Jesus had been crucified just three days earlier. All of their hopes that Jesus was the Messiah were dashed. They were afraid and uncertain. Even when the women tell the disciples about their trip to the empty tomb and of a message from an angel, they simply did not believe it. It was just too good to be true.

But then Jesus shows up. Jesus shows up on the road to Emmaus. Jesus shows up for the disciples gathered in a room. Jesus shows up for you and for me, even today. Jesus often shows up first in our hearts as we hear His Word. “Didn’t our hearts feel strangely warmed?” the disciples pondered (Luke 24:32). That moment of Jesus showing up was burned into their minds for eternity. Their hearts were aflame with Easter fire.

The word used for heart here in Luke refers to everything we are emotionally, intellectually, and spiritually. To be burning is to be rekindled or renewed or alive. A burning heart refers to the renewing effect Jesus Christ has on the whole person. Men and women with burning hearts are people of faith who have recognized Jesus Christ – alive and resurrected – and allowed His power to make them alive emotionally, intellectually, physically, and spiritually.

Jesus continues to show up today in His Word and through His Church to renew us and make us alive. My Easter prayer for you is that Jesus shows up for you making you alive and full of hope!

We pray:

O Lord Jesus, You are my living Lord! Thank you for dying on the cross to take away my sins. Renew my heart with hope and grant me Your peace. Amen.