T Minus 0 Days and Counting: Resurrection Sunday of Passion Week
You’ll find the events of this day in: Matthew 28, Mark 16, Luke 24, John 20
Read Matthew 28:1-10
The resurrection is the pinnacle of the Christian faith. Today we remember this event that is key to our faith. While the events of the resurrection are recorded for us in the gospels, we should look beyond the events (as important as they are) to the purpose. Why do we need the resurrection? The Apostle Paul addressed the church at Corinth noting several reasons the resurrection was essential to the faith. They are worth summarizing here as we ponder the day.
First, without the resurrection, our faith is in vain.
If we would say, as some undoubtedly do, that all this historical doctrine doesn’t matter then we have a problem. I once had a family member tell me that, while they were avid church attenders, they did not believe the events of the bible were historical (or real). It really didn’t matter if there was a flood, a cross, or even a resurrection. What mattered was the moral of the story. Like a good nursery rhyme, what was the “good” each bible story was trying to teach us? Maybe we would say that Noah’s ark taught us to value life, or that Jesus taught us to love others. Knowing that “moral” and then living it was all that was essential. Of course, I disagree with that thinking completely!
The Apostle Paul said it best when he said, “If Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain and your faith is in vain (1 Corinthians 15:14).” It matters that we know the story of the resurrection, but it matters just as much that we understand this was a real event that had real consequences. “And [he] also went in, and he saw and believed (John 20:8).” When John saw the empty tomb his life was radically changed. That caused a radical change to take place in many other lives, and it has even happened to me.
Second, without the resurrection Christians are liars.
Perhaps an even greater issue concerning the moral thinking of the gospel is that if the bible is not literally true, those saying it is true are not moral people at all. In other words, lying isn’t producing good morals, no matter what your intentions are. Paul put it this way, “We are even found to be misrepresenting God, because we testified about God that he raised Christ (1 Corinthians 15:15).” What of John and Peter who ran to the tomb, or the women who were there first? If all of this is just an illustration of how to live a good life, then these people were either liars or presented as liars in the story. They certainly believed Christ had been raised.
Third, without the resurrection there is no hope for you
Recently I watched a rerun episode of Larry King Live where he interviewed William Shatner (Captain Kirk). At the time of the interview Shatner was 85 (he’s now in his 90’s). Both of the men began discussing mortality, and how when one dies all will be forgotten. They even discussed God, which neither said they believed. The point was that they would die too, and they would not be remembered. How depressing! I would be tempted to be depressed about their comments if I thought there was any truth in it. The good news of the gospel is that Christ has been raised, so that means there is hope for you as well.
Paul said, “Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished. If in Christ we have hope in this life only, we are of all people most to be pitied (1 Corinthians 15:18-19). When the disciples saw the risen Christ they heard the best words ever, “He is not here, for he is risen…(Matthew 28:6).” That gives all of us hope beyond the grave. The fact that Jesus is the firstfruits of those who will be raised is great encouragement!
When you plant a large crop, you usually have the first fruits that come at the beginning of the season. The good news is that when you pick those fruits or vegetables, usually more follow. The first ones show you, at the start, that you will have some success. Jesus was the firstfruits of all who have died and put their faith in him (see 1 Corinthians 15:20). If he rose, then the good news is that when it’s your time, you too will rise again. What a joyful thing to look forward to. Death, where is your victory? Where is your sting? What can you do to me?
Nothing!
Because He lives…I will too!
Going Deeper:
Read the differing resurrection accounts. What differences do you note? Why do you think they are in the text? What can they teach us?
There are many good explanations of the various differences in the resurrection account (like how many angels were at the tomb, how many people, who got there first). Explore some of those by reading in a good study bible.
There are people who say that during this three day period Jesus actually went to Hades and preached to the prisoners there, offering them salvation. They base that off of 1 Peter 3:19. Do you agree that he did this, or would you reject this theory? Why or why not?
