Easter's Commission

“The same day (of the resurrection) at evening.... Jesus came and stood in the midst of them and said, “Peace be with you! ... As the Father has sent Me, I also send you” (John 20:19-21).

Their world was falling apart. It was not supposed to end this way! The disciples were gathered on Passover Sunday fearing for their future. Their Messiah was dead.

But suddenly, everything changed.

Late that evening, Jesus walked into their lives again... and what they saw with their own eyes would turn the world upside down! He is alive. Now they knew... Jesus is the one, true God.

At that moment, Jesus ordained and appointed them as His apostles right there. Apostles were ‘sent ones’, and Jesus sent them to be His voice and His hands to a troubled world.

Because they went, you and I have hope today.

Even ‘doubting Thomas’ went. History tells us that Thomas was the first to bring Christianity to India. He died as a martyr when native tribes speared him, because he denounced their worship of the sun god. In fact, 11 of the 12 ‘sent apostles’ were martyrs for the faith they would not renounce.

We are all ‘sent’. And everyone who is sent has to ‘die’ to their fears, inhibitions and lack of confidence. Aren’t you glad a ‘sent-one’ introduced you to Jesus? What would your life be like today without an Easter resurrection in your heart?

So the love of Christ compels us. We must go, for we are clearly sent. And when we go, we will find the greatest joy that will surpass even life itself. Jesus said, “He who loses his life will find it” (Luke 17:33). When we go, He goes with us!

Make this Easter weekend a new beginning. Invite someone who needs hope to attend Easter service with you. Reach out with kindness to someone who is hurting. Tell people what Easter is really about. You are sent... and Jesus will go with you. He is risen indeed, and we are sent!

Happy Easter!

Intentional for souls,
Tom Elie
Evangelist/President
Oasis World Ministries
www.oasisworldministries.org