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John 20:1-18 - "We Live, We Die and We Live Again"

At Easter to describe the Resurrection of our Lord is to describe the hope we have that, "We Live, We Die and We Live Again." We live this reality with ourselves as Christians and people of faith. For this reason, we hold the hope that we will see each other again in times when we lose our loved ones. Living in this reality is also for us our greatest asset of living everyday of our lives with Jesus.

The resurrection of Jesus is the ultimate expression of "We live, we die, and we live again." 

We live: Jesus lived a perfect life, showing us God's love and character (John 1:14, 10:10).

We die: Jesus died on the cross, taking our sins upon himself (John 19:30, Romans 5:8).

We live again: Jesus rose from the dead, conquering sin and death (John 20:1-18, 1 Corinthians 15:3-4).

As 21st-century Christians, this truth transforms our lives to live daily a new life in Christ: that is we're given a new life through faith in Jesus (John 3:16, Romans 6:4). Living with this purpose in our lives has to be meaningful and purposeful, by reflecting Jesus' love and character (Ephesians 2:10; Matthew 5:14-16).

Facing death with hope: We can face challenges and death with confidence, knowing Jesus has overcome death so that we too can live in this same reality (John 11:25-26;

1 Corinthians 15:55-57). Mary Magdalene's encounter with the risen Jesus (John 20:11-18) shows us that he wants a personal relationship with us.

 Jesus says, "I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God. " (20:17), as He invites us to share in his life and mission in the world we live in. This is the same cue from Mary Magdalene who went and announced to the disciples, "I have seen the Lord," and she told them that He had said these things to her.' Our mission is to proclaim and share the story of the good news of our loving and ever living Jesus. Thanks be to God. Amen.

The Reverend Wilson Akinwale

Rector