Today's Focus: He Lives to Call Me to Live for Him     Without the resurrection of Jesus, I would be tempted to live only for myself. After all, I have to be in good shape before I can be of help to anyone else, right? I think I know what's right for me, and I can identify when other people are standing in the way of my self-improvement. If Jesus is dead, I don't have to worry about what he said or what he thinks. But Jesus lives, and it makes a difference. He takes care of my basic needs. He promises to do more for me than I can imagine. He puts people into my life so I can help them. Now I live for him.

Today's Focus: He Lives to Be the Only Way to Heaven   Without the resurrection of Jesus, I would have to wonder if he wasn't just a human being. If my last view of him is a criminal crucified on a cross, he would look like someone to be rejected. He couldn't even help himself, much less anyone else! But Jesus lives, and it makes a difference. He is the only way to heaven. This gospel message is the most inclusive message in the world. The benefits of the resurrection of Jesus are meant for every man, woman, and child who has ever lived.

Today's Focus: He Lives to Be My Good Shepherd   Without the resurrection of Jesus, I would have to choose my own direction in life. I would be terrible at it, because, like a sheep, I can generally see only what's in front of me at the moment, and I get myself into trouble. If Jesus had not risen from the dead, I would be on my own. But Jesus lives, and it makes a difference. I have the reliable direction of the Good Shepherd. He feeds us with his Word. He protects us from the roaring lion, Satan. He is leading us into the green pastures of eternal life. for centuries, the Church has observed this Fouth Sunday of Easter to celebrate that Jesus lives to be our Good Shepherd.

Today's Focus: He Lives to Restore My Hope    Without the resurrection of Jesus, I would have little hope for the future. That's how the disciples felt after his death. "We hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel" (Luke 24:19). Their hope for a better life had died along with Jesus. But Jesus lives, and it makes a difference. My hope for the future is restored. I have victory over the feeling of hopelessness, because the one who heals me and gives me a better life is himself alive. He lives to restore my hope.