Welcome to part two of our Easter series, ‘Resurrection Hope’.

In this series, CMS International Director Peter Sholl thinks about four questions that arise after Jesus’ resurrection in short devotionals from Luke 24. This is followed by a short story from a CMS missionary, sharing how they have seen resurrection hope change lives around the world.

In this article, CMS missionary S—serving in the Middle East with husband W—shares how she has seen resurrection hope give real joy and peace in hopeless situations.

“What are you discussing together as you walk along?”
(Luke 24:17)

Devotional by Peter Sholl

Just a few hours after receiving reports of the missing body of Jesus, two new disciples—Cleopas and his friend are leaving Jerusalem, walking towards Emmaus. Luke tells us they are discussing all that has happened. The facts, the consequences, the emotions—plenty to talk about!

Jesus joins them, although they are prevented from seeing who he is. He asks his question, which is a simple self-issued invitation to join in with the conversation. But it prompts two more questions, which leads to Cleopas’ review of the events of the last days.

In terms of giving a concise factual summary—Cleopas’ overview is a good one. But he does more than run through the timeline of the events. He also speaks about the hopes he and the other disciples have had, particularly that Jesus would be the redeemer of Israel, and how the events of the last days have dealt a severe blow to those hopes.

But while it seems in his mind that hope is now lost, there are the recent confusing reports of the empty tomb. ‘What should I make of that?’ and ‘Where to from here?’ seem to be the questions Cleopas is asking himself.

A very simple question from Jesus has highlighted the importance of the resurrection. If it has not happened, hope is lost. If the body of Jesus is no longer in the tomb because he lives, where to from here?

If you were talking with a Christian friend about the events of Easter, and someone joined your conversation asking what you were talking about, how would you respond? How do the events, and the consequences of the resurrection figure in your thinking?

Pray that God would give you such conversation opportunities, and that the hope we have in the resurrected Jesus would be clear.

Resurrection hope in hopeless situations

Story by S in Middle East

Following Jesus’ example

Amira* welcomed me in and with a deep sigh told me she was having “the worst week of her life.” For someone who has grown up in poverty, fled war, and now lives as a refugee in a foreign city, I knew something very bad must have happened. Her building was facing a cockroach infestation. Angry neighbours were blaming her family and demanding they move, but they couldn’t afford to.

Then, Amira smiled a little.

She said when she was feeling overwhelmed, she remembered the stories we had shared about Jesus, and that even though Jesus had simply loved, healed, and helped people, he was abused and mistreated. She said it encouraged her to keep going during such a hard time.

But the good news about Jesus isn’t just that he was an example of patience in the face of difficulty—which is a common belief in our city. It’s the news that Jesus died and was resurrected from the dead that can bring real hope and peace to those around us.

Real hope and peace

My friend Noor* is an example of someone who understands this. We shared a meal together the day she was baptised. It was the first thing she had eaten in two days because her family had run out of money. As I drove her home after the service, she smiled and told me she had been praying God would provide a way for her to get home because she had no money for the bus.

Her situation is just as desperate as others in our city. And yet, Noor’s deep faith that Jesus died and rose again, means she has a joy that doesn’t fade when she faces financial instability, sickness, or uncertainty.

Jesus’ resurrection means Noor knows that God loves her enough to intervene in her life and bring hope in hopeless situations.

The resurrection means she knows God is powerful enough to defeat death and overcome impossible situations.

And the resurrection means she knows one day she will be with her Lord Jesus where there will be no more poverty, sickness, or war.

Noor’s faith in the resurrection leads her to share about Jesus with her neighbours and to risk very real persecution by hosting a Bible study in her house, so her friends can hear about Jesus, the risen King.

Praise God for the resurrection hope we have to offer those who face such difficulties here.

*Names changes for security reasons.

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Resurrection hope changes lives and eternities. Could you be someone who shares this life-changing hope in a different culture? Click here to start a conversation with your local branch.