What a great day to be alive, Easter 2006. Many of the symbols we have of Easter are about new life: rabbits, eggs, flowers and springtime. However, Easter is not just about life, it is about life from death. Easter is about resurrection. The true meaning of Easter is the historical fact of the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead 2000 years ago.
Easter means that Jesus is alive today and that gives us joy and hope. Jesus said in NIV Revelation 1:18 I am the Living One; I was dead, and behold I am alive for ever and ever! The resurrection of Jesus Christ means that you can have hope in this life. No difficulty is too hard for God to overcome. The resurrection of Jesus Christ means that you can have hope in life after death. Even death is not the end for the believer. Just as Jesus rose from the dead, so we as believers will one day also be resurrected.
Today I want to talk about “The Encouragement of Easter.” Do you need encouragement this morning? I know that I do. Perhaps you’re going through difficult times or someone you know and love is in difficulty. Your problems may be spiritual, emotional, physical, financial, relational or something else altogether. Whatever you’re going through, Jesus wants to encourage you this Easter.
This morning we’re going to look at the a man named Thomas, often referred to as doubting Thomas. After Jesus rose from the dead, some some of the disciples saw him alive but Thomas doubted. He didn’t believe, he thought everyone was deluded, his hope was gone. Perhaps some of you can identify with Thomas this morning. We’re going to look at how Jesus encouraged Thomas this morning and as we do, let Jesus encourage your heart.
To hear more about this topic, listen to my April 16, 2006 message entitled The Encouragement Of Easter