Women followers of Jesus who had come to pay their respects at his tomb were the first to realise that it was empty. Had his body been stolen? 

To counter that conclusion, Jesus appeared to different people at different times: two followers on a country lane grieving over his recent, violent death; his female disciple Mary, who at first mistook him for the cemetery gardener; all the disciples except Thomas, and subsequently Thomas as well. Later still, seven of Jesus’ disciples met him on the shores of Lake Galilee. 

Popular tradition would have us think of the soul leaving a dead body and soaring heavenward. The resurrection of Jesus tells us otherwise. He was no ghost, no disembodied soul. He appeared in a body: different, yet recognisable. Similarly, eternity in the presence of the risen Christ will mean our own selves transformed yet recognisable – like the risen Jesus on the shores of Lake Galilee.

Have you ever watched a sporting event that has already happened with a friend, when you know your team has won and your friend does not? Knowing your team wins completely changes your experience of the game. Believing the resurrection can change our experience of life today because we know Jesus wins. 

Until the disciples experience the miracle, this could have been any random person on the shore. The miracle opens their eyes: it’s Jesus. The Son of God is alive! Jesus talked, walked, and cooked up a mean BBQ. The resurrection was tangible. He was a physical being once again. This reflects God’s intention of making humans to have their feet firmly on planet earth. The resurrection of Jesus guarantees a perfect physical body for us and a perfect physical world to live in and cultivate. If you are a Christian, your best days lie ahead of you!  

When you know you’ll win in the end, it completely changes your experience of the game. Do you live a life shaped by resurrection hope?

Read on to find out more about the risen Jesus 

• Overcoming doubt John 20.24–29 
• Starting afresh John 21.15–19