The Significance of the Resurrection

The pyramids of Egypt are famous because they contain the mummified bodies of ancient Egyptian rulers. Westminster Abbey in London is famous because in it rest the bodies of many English notables. Arlington Cemetery in Washington, D.C., is revered because it is the final resting place of many American heroes. But the Tomb of Jesus is notable because NO body lies in it! There is no epitaph on Jesus' tomb that begins with the words, "Here lies. . ." There is no epitaph inscribed in gold or cut in stone. Rather, Jesus' epitaph is that which the angel spoke: "HE IS NOT HERE. HE IS RISEN!"

Three of the greatest trio of words in the Bible are these three words, "He is risen." What marks Christianity from all the religions of the world is that we have a resurrected, living Savior. We do not follow someone who just was, but someone who is and ever shall be.

How does the resurrection validate Jesus of Nazareth as God's only Son? Before his resurrection the apostles believed Jesus to be the Son of God. Following his resurrection and many appearances to them, they knew he was the Son of God. In fact, they felt so strongly about this that they were willing to risk their lives to tell others of his saving grace. Jesus' resurrection proved that his crucifixion was an acknowledgement of divine love for sinners.

When Jesus was crucified, the apostles considered it a personal disaster. For their leader it was a public disgrace. For all of them it was tragical political disappointment.Only through the doorway of an empty tomb from which Jesus had been raised could God reveal that his Son's death on the cross was a revelation.

How did the resurrection enable Jesus to intercede for us in God's presence? The apostle John wrote in (1 John 2:1-2) that, "if anyone does sin, we have one who speaks to the Father in our defense, Jesus Christ, the Righteous One."

The author of Hebrews tells us that Christ is a mediator who acts on our defense (Hebrews 9:14). The writer further declares that Christ has offered himself and continues to offer his sacrificial death a an atonement for the sins of those who accept him as Lord and Savior (Hebrews 10:10-14).

How did the resurrection give believers a living Lord and companion for the road of life? Jesus Christ is much more than an inspirational memory of One who lived in the past. In the forty days between his resurrection and his ascension, he gave the disciples many indisputable proofs that he had conquered death and the grave (Acts 1:3). He repeatedly encouraged them to wait for a precious gift from the Father God (Acts 1:4-5).

In the Gospel of John, Jesus had promised at a time when his disciples could not fully understand his words, "I will not leave you as orphans, I will come to you" (John 14:18). He was to fulfill this promise on the day of Pentecost when the Holy Spirit would come to reside in the church.

May you always remember that the believer must never lose sight of the significance of the resurrection. Ask your self these questions. Do our lives demonstrate that we serve a risen Lord and Savior? Do we possess the hope, peace, and strength that the reality and power of His resurrection gives to the Christian?

Everyone who has ever lived will be raised from the dead, some to eternal life with Christ and others to eternal separation from God. Today in prayer, thank the Lord that death has no power over those who put their trust in Jesus Christ.

Scripture references:

Romans 1:4; Matthew 28:18; Acts 2:36; John 14:6; John 14:2; Matthew 26:28; John 5:28-29; John 12:48; Acts 17: 30-31.

Let us pray:

God our Father, by raising Christ your Son you conquered the power of death and opened for us the way to eternal life. Let our celebration today raise us up and renew our lives by the Spirit that is within us. Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

May God bless you,

The Coffeehouse Bible Ministry