Jesus Appearing After Death

Text: 1 Corinthians 15:1-11

Reflection and Question: In response to members of the church in Corinth who are challenging belief in resurrection from the dead, Paul returns to the heart of his message: “that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the scriptures and that he was buried, and that he was raised on the third day. . . , and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve.” And Paul attests to Jesus appearing to him, though — as Paul had been struck blind at the time and only heard Jesus’ voice — he never claims that this was in bodily form. How does Jesus’ appearing after death fit into your faith?

Prayer: Spirit of Blessedness, fill us with true understanding of death and resurrection. In Paul’s time, some of those to whom Jesus appeared had died. In our time, they are all long gone. Then use our faith to glorify Your holy name. Amen.

This meditation is based on the Daily Lectionary Year 1 from the Book of Common Worship for the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) (1993).