In 1 Corinthians 15:3-8 Jesus shows up.
Jesus died. Jesus rose. The Scriptures validate it, and Jesus’ resurrection appearances attest to it… Jesus shows up to Cephas, then to the twelve, then the 500, then to James, the apostles, and lastly to Paul. The Risen Lord Jesus shows up.
Jesus shows up to Peter, who had denied him only days earlier.
Jesus shows up to the twelve. The bewildered, dazed, and confused disciples.
Jesus shows up to the 500.
Jesus shows up to James, sceptical James.
Jesus shows up to the apostles.
Then Jesus shows up to Paul. Stunted, stilted, shattered Saul.
20 centuries later, 16,000 km away, through the gospel from the Scriptures, Jesus shows up to us.
In the middle of our denial, confusion, and scepticism. In the midst of our apathy, in the middle of our doubt, disbelief, and despondency, Jesus shows up.
The Risen Lord Jesus shows up, to us!
The depth of death, the centre of sin, and the weight of judgement—Jesus shows up for us.
He is the one who died for our sin, according to the Scriptures. He is the one who rose for us, according to the Scriptures. He showed up then and he shows up now.
There is nothing—nothing—not family struggle, business failure, relationship breakdown, ministry struggles... nothing where he cannot show up.
I’ve been listening to the Psalms before the sunrise. I’m reminded again (I always need reminding) that Jesus shows up—by his Spirit, through his Word. What a joy to see him and sense him, to feel him and find him.
Jesus shows up by his Spirit in the ordinary gathering together of his people.
He shows up by his Word.
He shows up in the fruit and gifts of his Spirit in us and amongst us.
Jesus showed up, and he will continue to show up.
