FBI negotiator Chris Voss has written an interesting book, Never Split The Difference in which he describes negotiations with bank robbers, gangs, and international terrorists. He identified a pattern with one group of kidnappers who generally kidnapped people at the beginning of the week and released them towards the end of the week. The FBI concluded these kidnappers wanted the ransom money to party at the weekends. Kidnapping was a weekday job for them. When a kidnapping happens law enforcement agencies like the FBI want “proof of life” before paying a ransom. Typically, they would ask questions only the person would know the answer to, like what was the name of their first dog? But the best proof of life was to have the kidnapper put the hostage on the phone so their voice could be heard and recognised.
Jesus’ disciples were not expecting him to rise from the dead. The women who went to care for his body, but found it missing did not immediately conclude he must have risen, rather they asked where the body had been taken. The two disciples on the Road to Emmaus were not rejoicing that Jesus was alive, but leaving the troubled town behind, escaping to the safety of their own home. Thomas doubted the news of Jesus’ resurrection. These are not people who believed Jesus was alive. Rather they were sure he was dead and needed convincing, needed proof of life. Norval Geldenhuys writes, From the Gospel account of the Resurrection, it is as clear as daylight that nothing and no one except the risen Jesus Himself convinced His perplexed followers of the fact that He had indeed arisen.
Jesus gave proof of life by appearing to the disciples who could see him and touch him. He ate with them, on one occasion making them breakfast. He spoke and taught, having conversations with them, walking with them and giving them instructions for mission. A challenging idea like resurrection demands substantial evidence to support it. Jesus provided the evidence. Appearance after appearance, the proof of life stacked up.
Proof of life, that Jesus is risen, is also proof of afterlife. Because Jesus is risen, we who put our faith in him will also rise. “But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. ... But each in turn: Christ, the firstfruits; then, when he comes, those who belong to him.” (1 Corinthians 15:20–23)
When we look at the resurrection appearances there is more than proof of life, there is proof of love. Mary recognised him when he called her by name – Mary. The disciples on the road to Emmaus felt their hearts warm within them as they talked with Jesus. Jesus was compassionate to Peter who denied him three times, gently restoring him by similarly asking three times, Do you love me? And then giving Peter the mission to feed his lambs. To call the other disciples his lambs reveals Jesus’ tender care for all who follow him. Proof of life may be information for our heads, but proof of love is relationship for our hearts. “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16) I suppose a sceptic may not be convinced with the proof of life, but I hope they may be moved by the proof of love.
For reflection:
Consider the way Jesus provided “proof of life”. What difference does this make to you?
When you look at these stories where do you find proof of Jesus’ love?
How might Jesus, presence in your life, what you do and say, provide proof of his life and love to others?
Rev John Malcolm
Jesus gave proof of life by appearing to the disciples who could see him and touch him. He ate with them, on one occasion making them breakfast. He spoke and taught, having conversations with them, walking with them and giving them instructions for mission. A challenging idea like resurrection demands substantial evidence to support it. Jesus provided the evidence. Appearance after appearance, the proof of life stacked up.
Proof of life, that Jesus is risen, is also proof of afterlife. Because Jesus is risen, we who put our faith in him will also rise. “But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. ... But each in turn: Christ, the firstfruits; then, when he comes, those who belong to him.” (1 Corinthians 15:20–23)
When we look at the resurrection appearances there is more than proof of life, there is proof of love. Mary recognised him when he called her by name – Mary. The disciples on the road to Emmaus felt their hearts warm within them as they talked with Jesus. Jesus was compassionate to Peter who denied him three times, gently restoring him by similarly asking three times, Do you love me? And then giving Peter the mission to feed his lambs. To call the other disciples his lambs reveals Jesus’ tender care for all who follow him. Proof of life may be information for our heads, but proof of love is relationship for our hearts. “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16) I suppose a sceptic may not be convinced with the proof of life, but I hope they may be moved by the proof of love.
For reflection:
Consider the way Jesus provided “proof of life”. What difference does this make to you?
When you look at these stories where do you find proof of Jesus’ love?
How might Jesus, presence in your life, what you do and say, provide proof of his life and love to others?
Rev John Malcolm