Possibly the greatest proof of the resurrection is not the empty tomb or Jesus' various appearances but the transformation of His disciples. Before His resurrection and Pentecost, Peter denied Christ three times, and the other apostles, with the exception of John (Jn 19:26), didn't even have enough courage to put themselves in a dangerous, "deniable" position. Peter was the most courageous of the lot but still a coward.
After Pentecost, however, Peter and the disciples boldly stood before thousands and proclaimed the risen Christ. Even in court, before judges and dignitaries, Peter and John were not intimidated. They boldly proclaimed Jesus as the Stone rejected by the builders that became the Cornerstone, and the only Name by which the world can be saved (Acts 4:11-12).
This dramatic transformation can be explained only by the reality of the resurrection. We need to see and be the same kind of resurrection-witnesses today. The world is secretly watching us Christians to see whether we will walk like we talk. It doesn't believe we really believe. We must change and boldly proclaim the risen Christ. Then the world must take notice and begin to entertain the thought that Jesus' resurrection is real and the most important event in world history.
| PRAYER: | Jesus, may I burn with a desire to tell people about You and Your resurrection. |
| PROMISE: | They "took so many fish they could not haul the net in. Then the disciple Jesus loved cried out to Peter, 'It is the Lord!'" –Jn 21:6-7 |
| PRAISE: | Alleluia! Praise the Risen Jesus, Who calls us each by name! |
Reprinted with permission from Presentation Ministries, a lay association of the Catholic Church that focuses on evangelization and discipleship through Bible teaching, daily Mass, the charisms of the Holy Spirit, and Small Christian Community. Their ministries include:
· One Bread, One Body
· Daily Bread Radio Program
· Annual Bible Institute
· Discipleship Retreats
· Guadalupe Bible College