Good morning,
Jesus is dead! One disciple betrayed Him, another denied he knew Him three times, and the others had scattered.
It was over. All they had hoped for and believed about Jesus was finished. He was dead.
It seemed no one believed he would come out of the grave.
What happened next changed everything.
He is risen.
“In the end of the sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulcher.2 And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it.3 His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow: 4 And for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead men.5 And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified.6 He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.7 And go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead; and, behold, he goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see him: lo, I have told you.” (Matthew 28:1-7)
Word spread quickly. Those who did not believe, understand, or rejected Jesus came face to face with the truth. Jesus is the Son of God, the Messiah of Israel.
Jesus triumphed over Satan and his demons.
“And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses;14 Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross;15 And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it.” (Colossians 2:13-15)
Satan is now defeated. He no longer has dominion over the life of a believer. Satan does not own us. Jesus bought us with His blood sacrifice. We now belong to Jesus. He owns us.
Jesus appears to the disciples, religious leaders, and the multitudes.
“For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;4 And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:5 And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve:6 After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep. 7 After that, he was seen of James; then of all the apostles.8 And last of all he was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time.9 For I am the least of the apostles, that am not meet to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God.” (1 Corinthians 15:3-9)
Jesus supplies salvation.
“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-9)
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.”
The resurrection of Jesus Christ provides a way for those lost, without hope, to partake in the new life Christ offers.
Repent of your sins and believe on Jesus Christ.
Questions? Call me and let’s talk.
Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001
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