“And as they were afraid, and bowed down their faces to the earth, they said unto them, Why seek ye the living among the dead? He is not here, but is risen: remember how he spake unto you when he was yet in Galilee, Saying, The Son of man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again. And they remembered his words.”
The resurrection is a picture of hope for every believer.
There once was a Christian lady who did a lot of traveling. She always took her Bible with her because flying made her nervous. On one particular trip a man saw the Bible and asked, “You don’t really believe all that stuff do you?“ The lady replied, “Well of course.“ He said, “Well what about that guy that was swallowed by a whale?” She said, “Yes, I believe in the account of Jonah.” He said, “Well how do you suppose he survived all that time in the whale?” She said, “I don’t know, I‘ll have to ask him when I get to Heaven.” He replied sarcastically, “What if he isn’t in heaven?” She said, “Then you can ask him.”
Those who do not believe the truths of God’s Word are left questioning events that otherwise would seem impossible. But as Christians we draw hope and joy from these events, especially the event in our verses today. Jesus who died for the sins of the world, resurrected three days later and is alive today! Notice that Christ’s resurrection shows us three things.
First, His resurrection shows His promise to be with us. Throughout His Word, God promises to be with His people. God promises Israel in Jeremiah 42:11, “Be not afraid of the king of Babylon, of whom ye are afraid; be not afraid of him, saith the LORD: for I am with you to save you, and to deliver you from his hand.” He tells them not to be afraid because He is with them.
Today, God says the same thing to us. “Don’t be afraid. I am your Father, and I’m not going to let anything happen to you that isn’t going to make you better. Trust Me.” Christ’s resurrection proves to us that He will always be with us.
Second, His resurrection proves His claim of deity. Many during Jesus’ day questioned His role as the Son of God. Many scoffed at His claim of deity. But as John 1:14 says, “And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.”
Jesus truly was God in the flesh. He came to earth, lived a sinless life, and died on the Cross to pay for our sins. Had He stayed dead His claim of deity could have easily been dismissed, but He did what only God can do and raised Himself from the dead. His resurrection proves that He is the Son of God.
Last, Christ’s resurrection reaffirms His promise to return for us. Many times during His earthly ministry, Jesus taught of His return for His children. But how could He return if He was dead? The Lord’s resurrection reaffirmed His promise in John 14:2-3, “In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.”
Christ’s resurrection promises us that He is indeed God. He will always be with us, and He is coming again for us. What encouraging thoughts! While you may not understand the circumstances around you, never lose sight of God. Remember that He is with you and is in control of everything you see. Also, rejoice today in the fact that He is returning soon to take us to Heaven to be with Him forever. (By Paul Chappell)
