Focal Passage: John 20:1-18
At a conference in 2009, Daniel Akin, president of Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in Wake Forest, gave an illustration about a tombstone he saw in Indiana that reminds us that death is not our final destination. He shared, “There is a tombstone in Indiana, right across the river from Louisville, Ky., that has the following inscription: – Pause, stranger, when you pass me by; as you are now, so once was as I. As I am now, so you will be; so prepare for death and follow me. Some unknown witness came along and added an interesting comment, – To follow you I am not content until I know which way you went.” Although those words have a light-heartedness about them they speak a very serious message; namely, that there is life after death and it will be spent either in heaven or hell.
Tragically, many people do not know or do not care how one can be saved from eternal judgment. We live in a pluralistic society that believes there are many paths to heaven and that no absolute claim is superior to others. However, as Christians, we believe that the resurrection of Jesus Christ changes everything. When Mary Magdalene and the disciples discovered the empty tomb and realized that Jesus had risen from dead they needed no further convincing that Jesus was truly God (John 20:1-31).
In the same way, believers today know that eternal life only comes through our risen Lord. Jesus said, “… I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6, ESV).
Unfortunately, many folks in our world refuse to believe Jesus Christ is God. They look for something or someone to fill the void in their lives and give them hope for the future.
Ultimately, all their attempts will fall short and leave them empty and condemned. As Christians, we must strive to help those people recognize that Jesus is the risen Savior. We must pray that as we speak with them about the gospel that the Holy Spirit will open their eyes and they will turn from sin and place their faith in Jesus Christ.