Focal Passage: Matthew 27:62-66; 28:5-8; Luke 24:13-16, 32-33, 35
What connection exists between the daily news and the Good News, between the “kingdom of this world” and the Kingdom of the Lord? And what does the resurrection mean for us today?
The bodily resurrection of Jesus is the chief foundational doctrine of Christianity. The Apostle Paul was so convinced of its reality that he declared, “If Christ has not been raised, your faith is worthless; you are still in your sins” (1 Cor. 15:17). There were many eye witnesses who saw, spoke, and ate with Jesus after His resurrection. His resurrection fulfills not only His earthly claims, but also gives assurance to mankind that there is life after death which is available by faith.
Warren Wiersbe asserts, “The Jewish leaders remembered what the disciples forgot: that Christ promised to come out of the tomb after three days. How unfortunate it is when Satan and his children know the Bible better than Christians do! The Jews called Christ ‘that deceiver’ (v. 63), little realizing that one day the nation of Israel will accept the ‘arch-deceiver,’ the Antichrist, and make a covenant with him. ‘Make it as secure as you can’ (v. 65), was all Pilate could say. But no earthly seal could hinder Christ from coming out of the tomb as He promised.”
As we consider the significance of Jesus’ resurrection, consider these truths: (1) It proves He is the Son of God (John 10:17-18); (2) It attests to the truth of scripture (Acts 2:21; Ps. 16:10); (3) It assures us of our own future resurrection when we die (1 Thes. 4:13ff); (4) It is a proof of future judgment (Acts 17:30-31); (5) It is one of the central truths in the gospel (1 Cor. 15:1-8); (6) It is the assurance of our future inheritance (1 Pet. 1:3ff); (7) It is the foundation for Christ’s heavenly priesthood (Heb. 7:23-28); and (8) It gives the power to the Christian life (Gal. 2:20; Eph. 1:18-20; Rom. 6:4).
Our message at Easter is “Come and see … Go and tell!” Every Sunday is resurrection day for the believer. He is risen; He is risen indeed!