4/12/2026: First Sunday of Easter

WHAT DIFFERENCE DOES IT MAKE?

Life is full of either/or moments. Some of them are of little long-term consequence. I will have either the chicken or the fish. Some of them matter more. I will accept the new job offer or keep my current job. One either/or moment is life-changing for every human being. Either Jesus is still dead, or Jesus rose from the dead. Jesus claimed he would rise from the dead. “The Son of Man must suffer many things. . . be killed and after three days rise again” (Mark 8:31). So if Jesus remains dead, he is both a failure and a fraud. If Christ has not been raised, we are still in our sin.

But Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! It makes all the difference! He lives! The season of Easter is a 50-day celebration of that fact.

HE LIVES TO GIVE ME PROOF AND PEACE

Without the resurrection of Jesus, I would have to wonder whether anything he said was true. Thomas had been taught and trained by Christ himself. He heard Jesus predict his death and resurrection. Even after hearing the eyewitness testimony of friends, Thomas still had doubts about the resurrection of Jesus.

But he lives, and it makes a difference. Today I have great comfort as someone with doubts about Christ’s promises in my life. Jesus engages me with continuing assurances in Word and sacrament. I have proof. I have peace.

God bless your worship.

Pastor Mueller preaches on John 20:19–31...“Proof is not the Point”

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