A faith in Jesus that does not result in action is worthless. James, the brother of Jesus, seems to suggest that true faith is demonstrated by our deeds. James was not a believer until he encountered a resurrected Jesus. At that point, everything changed! Belief in Jesus is not just an intellectual endeavor; it must move to my heart and change how I live.

The early church shared a deep sense of fellowship around their belief in the risen Christ. They supported each other’s faith based on their shared love for Jesus and their commitment to living out His teachings. Being a part of God’s family helps experience all that God has for us. We are not alone. Even in our darkest hour, there are people who will walk with me.

One of the greatest obstacles to us growing in our faith journeys is the inability to fully receive the forgiveness of God. Our past mistakes, shortcomings and failures too often hold us back from all that God has for us. God invites us to live with a future focus. Rather than dwelling on the past, we live with eager anticipation for what lies ahead. Nothing that has happened in my past can hold me back from God’s grace and mercy.

Upon finding an empty tomb, the followers of Jesus had a choice - do they trust the good news or do they ignore the evidence in front of them? The resurrection of Jesus changed the lives of the disciples and by their impact, the world. We have the same choice to make. When we choose faith, we are found “in Christ” and our lives are made new. 

Easter is the celebration of life and hope for the follower of Jesus. In a preview of coming attractions, Christ’s healing of Lazarus shows how he releases the chains of death from every believer. Like Lazarus, we are commanded to “Take off the old and come to life”! Thus, we are called to be people of hope and life.

Christ’s compassion and love toward his enemies prompted him to heal those who came to torment him, revealing his gracious and loving heart. Today, he can heal our angry and violent hearts and help us to better understand forgiveness. It's not an emotion or a feeling, but a decision to cancel a debt owed us.

Beyond just physical healing, Christ extends healing to the lonely, outcast, and downtrodden, offering them a place and shows his dedication to those who are isolated. In the story of the leper, Christ reveals a heart for the outsider and love for the lonely. The church now has the opportunity to reach out and love those who feel unwanted.

In the story of Jesus healing a blind man in John 9, Christ reveals himself as “the light of the world,” the one to bring spiritual sight to a blind and dark world. But even if we are "right", we can still struggle with blindness. Those who are healed of spiritual blindness should exemplify compassion and hope for those still in darkness, allowing Christ’s light to shine through them.

Jesus came to earth to reveal the true nature and character of God. Throughout his work with people, including the miracles of healing people, Jesus shows that God's desire for our lives is wholeness, completeness and restoration. If we are willing to let go of our past, he is ready to make us new!

The many promises of God can give us hope, perspective, and direction in the troubling times of life. And that's a promise from Jesus - we will have troubling times! Even in a harsh message meant to call people back to God, we find the promises we need when times are dark.