Each Sunday on the Pure Purpose blog, I feature This Week’s 7, a simple list about an everyday topic, giving you ideas and encouragement. Today is Easter, the day of celebrating Jesus’ resurrection. Let’s consider the first seven statements and questions Jesus spoke following his resurrection.

1. Jesus asked her, “Woman, why are you crying?” (John 20:15) As always, Jesus knew the answer to the question he asked. There’s nothing wrong with crying. Scriptures tell us Jesus wept. Jesus asked the question to which he was the answer. He was the reason for her tears. He would be the reason they would stop.
2. Jesus said to her, “Mary.” (John 20:16) Jesus was personal. He called Mary by name, as he often called his disciples by name. Jesus is personal to each of us. He knows who we are, what we need, and what to say.
3. Jesus said to her, “Don’t hold on to me, because I have not yet gone up to the Father. But go to my brothers and tell them, ‘I am going back to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’ “ (John 20:17) Jesus directs Mary to do something. She’s to take action and tell others about the resurrection. “Go and tell” is a directive for which each of us is responsible. How are you handling the responsibility?
4. Then Jesus came and stood right in the middle of (his followers) and said, “Peace be with you.” (John 20:19) Jesus gives peace – not what we often think of as peace (long stretches of uninterrupted quiet). Jesus’ peace is active. Often conflict and confrontation must happen in order to arrive at peace. In order to have his peace, we must allow him to sift through the junk of our lives. He will; he is the Prince of Peace.
5. Then Jesus said again, “Peace be with you. As the Father sent me, I now send you.” (John 20:21) Jesus has a job for you. He gives you the strength, courage, guidance, and provision you need, but you must rely on him. You’re not sending yourself. He’s sending you. Are you on your way?
6. After he said this, he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit.” (John 20:22) You receive everything you need through the Holy Spirit. Receiving is active. You must allow the Holy Spirit to invade your life. Otherwise, no matter how hard you’re trying to achieve God’s will, it will be your own work, not his.
7. If you forgive anyone his sins, they are forgiven. If you don’t forgive them, they are not forgiven.” (John 20:23) Jesus gives a word of caution. The life of a believer will not be easy. There will be temptations along the way. There will be struggles with difficult people and situations. Be driven by who he is and how he would respond. Be firm in the areas in which Jesus would be firm and forgiving in the areas that need to be forgiven. His way is the best way.

Jesus answered, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. The only way to the Father is through me.” (John 14:6)