The Savior, Pt. 5

In Matthew 28:5-6, the angel declares to the women at the tomb, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here; for He is risen as He said.” This proclamation underscores the fulfillment of Jesus’ own predictions about His death and resurrection (Matt. 16:21, 17:23, 20:19).

In 1 Corinthians 15:3-4, Paul emphasizes the resurrection as a foundational truth: “For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures.” The resurrection signifies Christ’s victory over death and sin, offering believers the promise of eternal life. Romans 6:9 declares: “Knowing that Christ, having been raised from the dead, dies no more. Death no longer has dominion over Him.” This victory is not only a testament to Jesus’ power but also a guarantee of the believer’s future resurrection and eternal life (1 Cor. 15:19-22).

The resurrection is a divine validation of Jesus’ identity as the Son of God. In Romans 1:4, Paul writes that Jesus “was declared to be the Son of God with power according to the Spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead.” This event confirms Jesus’ authority and the truth of His teachings, as He had foretold His resurrection as a sign of His divine mission (John 2:19-21).

The resurrection is the foundation of Christian hope, providing assurance of life beyond death and motivating believers to live in accordance with the teachings of Christ. In 1 Peter 1:3-4, Peter praises God for the “living hope” through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, which leads to “an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, reserved in heaven for you.”

Furthermore, the resurrection empowers the mission of the Church. Jesus’ post-resurrection appearances to His disciples, as recorded in Matthew 28:18-20, include the Great Commission, where He commands them to “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations.”

Friends, the devotions this week have focused on our Savior through His incarnation, exhortation, humiliation, and crucifixion. It’s only fitting to end the week by considering His resurrection. The resurrection of Jesus Christ confirms His divinity, assures believers of victory over sin and death, and serves as the foundation for Christian hope and mission. Through the resurrection, Christians are called to live in the light of this transformative truth, sharing the message of salvation with the world.

He is risen, indeed!