John 20:1-18; Colossians 3:1-4
Photo by Bruno van der Kraan on Unsplash
Our Easter reading today comes from two different places: John chapter 20 and Colossians chapter 3. This morning, we are going to focus on the passage from Colossians.
I’ll be leading you through something of a Bible study today. While the ideas might seem a bit complex at first, they are worth exploring— because they lead us directly to the most important message Paul shared with the early churches in the first and second centuries.
To start, I’d like to draw your attention to verse 1 of today’s reading in Colossians. Paul uses a very interesting and unique Greek word here. He writes, ‘You have been raised to life with Christ.’
In English, we call this the ‘present perfect’ tense, but in Greek It carries a special meaning. It is an aorist tense and suggests something that has already happened, but is not yet finished. It is like saying, ‘You have already been raised, but not yet.’ Some call this the ‘Already-But-Not-Yet’ Resurrection.
We often think of Easter only as a celebration of Christ’s life, but Paul frames it as the believer’s entire biography. He claims that you were already raised with Christ, but there is more to come.
This doesn’t mean your faith is incomplete or that you aren’t saved yet; rather, it means that faith in Christ should create a radically different life continually…if that faith is truly genuine. The Resurrection is not just a past event or a future hope—it is a present, ongoing, but still accomplished reality. It’s like saying you have already started your new life, but the full story is still being written.
I know it might sound more confusing to some of you. So now, we’ve got to take a closer look at the verse 1 and 2… from Paul’s aorist perspective of “already happened, but is not yet finished.” He said, “You have been raised to life with Christ, so set your hearts on the things that are in heaven, where Christ sits on his throne. Keep your minds fixed on things above, not on things here on earth.”
Paul uses two special Greek words here: zeteite and phroneite. He is showing us the difference between seeking and setting. He wants us to seek things above and set our minds on things above.
‘Seeking things above’ is the outward pursuit of God’s kingdom and justice, while ‘setting the mind on things above’ is the internal cultivation of a Christ-cantered perspective.
Think of it like this: ‘Seeking’ is what we do on the outside. It’s how we pursue God’s Kingdome in our daily lives. ‘Setting our minds’ is what happens on the inside. It is about training our hearts to see the world through the eyes of Christ.
This isn’t a call to escapism. This doesn’t mean we should ignore our lives here on earth. In fact, it’s the opposite. If you are a Christin, if you truly want to be a genuine believer, you can only handle your earthly responsibilities well when you look at them from God’s perspective.
Focusing on God is the only way to truly help people on earth.
Ultimately, being ‘heavenly minded’ is the only way to be of true ‘earthly good,’ because it keeps us in step with God’s plan. Being heavenly minded by focusing on God is the only way to continually align our values with God above.
Paul continues in verse 3, “For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.” Well, this might sound more complex or even mysterious. Why is our life hidden? Is that a good thing? Paul’s answer is a resounding Yes. He means that this hiddenness is for our own sake.
In a world that demands constant visibility, performance, and branding, the Gospel offers us the peace of being hidden. Your true value, identity, and security are tucked away in the heart of God, far beyond the reach of any earthly criticism, failure, or even death. Simply put, no one can mess with your identity because it is safely secured in God, who controls everything in the whole universe.
I know some of your children or friends may be going through tough times right now. You yourself might be struggling with challenges coming from every direction. Think of this “hiddenness” as a divine safety deposit box. It does not mean your life is invisible; it means your life is divinely protected.
No matter what happens, do not panic. Do not be troubled. God is your ultimate security. And remember, your children are not just yours—they are God’s children. He will protect them, bless them, lead them, and use them and their lives according to His good purpose.
Finally, Paul brings the Resurrection into the very heart of who we are. He says, “Christ is your life, and when He appears, you will also appear with Him in glory!” Paul doesn’t just say Christ gives us life; he says, “Christ IS our life.”
This is perhaps the most radical claim ever made about human existence. People often say money is their life, or success or happiness is their life. The Bible says: “No. Christ is your life.”
If Christ is your life, then your hobbies, your career, your resources, and even your culture or traditions are no longer the source of your identity. Instead, they become the venues where you express the life of Christ.
Friends, today is Easter. While many are away on holiday, we are here to remember Jesus’ ministry, suffering, death, and his resurrection. But Easter is more than a historical event; it is an ongoing reality. Easter is the transition from “living for yourself” to “Christ living in you.”
In the Gospel of John, Mary Magdalene stood outside the tomb weeping. She was looking for a dead body, but she found a living Savior. He didn’t just appear to her; He called her by name: ‘Mary.’
Today, that same risen Christ calls you by your name. He knows your hidden struggles, your quiet tears, and your deepest hopes. He is not a distant historical figure; He is your life, standing right beside you.
Because Christ is your life, you now have a story to tell. You don’t have to be perfect; you just have to be a witness to His grace. Go out into the world this week, not in your own strength, but in the power of His resurrection.
Remember that you do not walk alone. You walk with the one who has conquered death and knows you by heart. Let your life show the world that He is alive!
Do not forget: Christ is your life. His resurrection is your resurrection. His glory is your glory.
Again, Christ is risen! He is risen indeed.
