“…Ye seek Jesus of Nazareth, which was crucified: He is risen; He is not here…”
Mark 16:6 (KJV)
The resurrection accounts stress the importance of witnesses. The disciples saw an empty tomb, a stone rolled aside, and grave clothes. They also met Jesus in an upper room, by the lakeside, on the road, and on Mount Olive.
The resurrection is a fact. Jesus did return from the dead. The writers of the Gospel, after initially struggling with their belief, were sure they had met the same Jesus Whom they knew before His death. He is not a ghost, friends. His body bears the mark of crucifixion. Luke 24:42-43 (KJV) says, “And they gave Him a piece of broiled fish and of an honeycomb. And He took it, and did eat before them.”
Jesus has come back to life. He was able to appear in the midst of the disciples despite the doors being locked (John 20:19-23). His mission on earth was completed, and He was preparing to go back to heaven. Yes, Jesus has passed beyond death and has been transformed. This gives us a clue to the meaning of resurrection.
Without the fact of the resurrection, the cross would have been a total failure or disaster. If Christ was not raised from death, then the Christian faith is in vain. The resurrection, therefore, has something to say about the past, the present, and the future. It sets the seal on the ministry of Jesus. Jesus is alive! He is risen indeed! What a message!
You are connected with a living God – with One who has risen from the dead and has ascended into heaven and Who will one day come again in power and glory to reign. That is Good News!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, Your Holy Word is a light unto my path. In all that I do, help me to be a worthy witness for You as I share the Good News of Your perfect Son and Your perfect Word. In the name of Jesus, Amen.
Read: John 20:17-18; Revelation 1:5-6
Bible Reading Guide: Psalm 49; Luke 20:27-47; Luke 21:1-4; Deuteronomy 33; Deuteronomy 34
