Why the Resurrection Still Matters

Need a fresh start? That's what Easter is all about! Let’s take a look at why the resurrection still provides hope and meaning to our lives today: 

1. The Resurrection Means Failure Isn’t Final. 

“Then the disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” As soon as Simon Peter heard him say, “It is the Lord,” he wrapped his outer garment around him (for he had taken it off) and jumped into the water. The other disciples followed in the boat, towing the net full of fish, for they were not far from shore, about a hundred yards. When they landed, they saw a fire of burning coals there with fish on it, and some bread” John 21:7-9

Have you ever declared faith one day but felt like you let God down the next? Even though Peter swore he would never leave Jesus, Peter found himself denying Jesus three times on the night of the crucifixion. If Jesus’ closest disciples fumbled, it’s certain that no one is perfect and everybody fails.

In this passage of Scripture, the risen Jesus seeks out Peter and invites him to breakfast. Jesus wasn’t holding Peter’s doubt and failure against him—and He isn’t holding yours against you either. God’s not frustrated or irritated. Nor is He surprised by your humanity. Instead, He seeks you out and wants you to know that failure isn’t final. 

2. The Resurrection Demonstrates a Gospel of Grace

“But when they looked up, they saw that the stone, which was very large, had been rolled away. As they entered the tomb, they saw a young man dressed in a white robe sitting on the right side, and they were alarmed. “Don’t be alarmed,” he said. “You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid him. But go, tell his disciples and Peter, ‘He is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you.’” Mark 16:4-7

When the angel spoke to the women who discovered the empty tomb, he gave them the instruction to tell His disciples and Peter. Why was Peter mentioned by name? Perhaps God knew Peter disqualified himself after denying Jesus. 

If you think you don't have what it takes for God to use you, you’re in good company. Many people in the Bible felt disqualified because of their insecurities or their past. But Jesus is always challenging us to get past our past. Like any good Father, He wants us to know that making a mistake doesn’t mean we are a mistake.

3. The Resurrection Brings Hope for a Fresh Start

“When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, ‘Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?’
‘Yes, Lord,’ he said, ‘you know that I love you.’
Jesus said, ‘Feed my lambs.’
Again Jesus said, ‘Simon son of John, do you love me?’
He answered, ‘Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.’
Jesus said, ‘Take care of my sheep.’
The third time he said to him, ‘Simon son of John, do you love me?’
Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, ‘Do you love me?’ He said, ‘Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.’
Jesus said, ‘Feed my sheep.’” John 21:15-17

Why did the risen Jesus ask Peter the same question repeatedly? The Greek language is rich and diverse—there are many Greek words to describe love. The first two times Jesus asks the question, He uses the Greek word “agapeo,” expressing a selfless and unconditional love—and each time Peter responds with an affirmation that He loves Jesus with a “phileo” love—meaning “brotherly.” 

Finally, Jesus asks Peter if he (phileo) loves him, and Peter says yes. So, what does all this mean? It means that Jesus doesn’t mind coming down to our level. He doesn’t mind meeting us where we’re at. Jesus also gave Peter a new purpose. Maybe your love and devotion to God have wavered, and you feel discouraged or ashamed. Let God meet you where you’re at because when God meets you where you’re at, He’ll take you where you’re meant to go.

For more Who Is This Man? Series resources, click here.