He Is Risen, And So Are We!
(This study has valuable lessons for both mature Christians and new believers!)
With the popularity of "The Passion of the Christ", there is currently a lot of emphasis on the cross and the suffering of Jesus. Calvary is receiving a great deal of attention, and this is good, but it seems that there is another crucial event which is being left on the edge of the spotlight: the triumphant resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ.
How important was Christ's resurrection?
1 Corinthians 15:12-20
The truth of the resurrection is crucial to our Christian faith. In fact, if Jesus is not risen from the grave, then "your faith is futile; you are still in your sins!" What if Christ had stayed in that tomb? How could we have hope beyond the grave? But He did come forth, conquering death, and assuring us of life eternal (1 Peter 1:3-4).
Was this an expected event?
Psalm 16:10 Acts 2:22-36 Matthew 12:40
In Acts chapter 2, Peter confirmed that the Old Testament predicted the resurrection of Jesus long in advance. Despite all the miracles and acts of healing Jesus had performed, the Jews wanted another sign to prove that Christ was indeed the Messiah. Jesus told them that the story of Jonah had already demonstrated what He would go through; and in the same way that Jonah arose from the belly of the fish, Jesus arose from the grave. But it seemed that very few had been studying the Scriptures with a longing to truly understand the mission of the Messiah. Even though Jesus had clearly told the disciples about His death and resurrection (Matthew 16:21, Mark 8:31), they were unprepared and left in a state of confusion (Luke 24:17-26, John 20:9).
Did the Lord want this event to be such a surprise? No, God had foretold the final events of Christ's life, and those who had a strong bond had a better idea of what was to come (Matthew 26:12-13, John 8:56, Luke 2:34-35). This is an important lesson for us today; the closer we are to the Lord, the easier it will be for us to understand His plan and will for our lives. Also, since the events that were predicted came to pass, we find that God's Word can be trusted.
When did the disciples finally understand the resurrection and how did it affect them?
John 2:18-22 Matthew 28:1-8 John 20:19-20 Luke 24:25-35
It took awhile for the reality of the resurrection to sink in (imagine how we would react if we had been in their shoes: it's not everyday that someone who is brutally murdered rises again from the dead!), but once they were able to grasp the concept, as Jesus "expounded unto them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself" and "their eyes were opened", there were great results.
First of all, their faith was greatly strengthened and they were able to recognize that Jesus really was who He claimed to be. Following the cross, their hopes appeared to be crushed by despair; doubt and skepticism had set in. Now they realized that Christ was indeed the "Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending", "Fear not: I am the first and the last: I am He that liveth and was dead; and behold, I am alive forevermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death." (Revelation 1:8 and 17-18). Thomas was compelled to declare "My Lord and My God!" (John 20:28). As we contemplate the resurrection, we see that nothing is too difficult for our God.
The Bible also says that the disciples had "great joy" and "were glad". Christ's resurrection should have the same effect on us today. Because He rose from the dead, we can rejoice to know that forgiveness is available (Romans 4:24-25).
In addition, the Gospels, tell us about the motivation and zeal that filled the disciples. The resurrection of Christ gave them a desire to share and preach the risen Savior. The book of Acts is evidence of their Spirit-driven labor, and it shows us that their lives were centered around the cross and resurrection of Jesus (Acts 1:21-22; 3:14-15; 4:33). May god give us that same purpose and determination!
What else does the resurrection mean for us today?
Romans 6:1-14 Ephesians 1:17-21
For the Christian, Romans chapter 6 is loaded with meaning and significance. These verses explain that we are to unite with Jesus in His death and resurrection. What He went through on a physical level, we experience in a spiritual way. Paul said that our sinful ways need to be crucified so that we can arise to walk in a new and holy manner. This is what it means to be "born again": a death to sin and a resurrection to righteous living. This is not something that we can accomplish through human strength; it is an act of God (Philippians 2:13). The same power that brought Jesus up from the tomb can enable us to "be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord."
What hope does Christ's resurrection offer to us?
Romans 8:34 Philippians 3:20-21
Our Redeemer lives, and now, He's "at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us". Talk about good news! According to Hebrews 4:14-16, Jesus is our "great High Priest", and he is always available to wash away our sins and listen to our prayers (1 John 1:9-2:2). Satan tries to accuse and condemn us (Zechariah 3:1-5), but Jesus stands ready to cover us with His cleansing blood (Romans 5:8-9; 1 John 1:7; Ezekiel 36:25).
Because of
Adam's disobedience, death came into the world, but Jesus has
conquered death through His resurrection. Now we have the promise
of receiving immortality when Christ returns to bring us home to
heaven and death will be done away with for eternity
(1 Corinthians 15:20-26).
The Bible assures us that we will receive new bodies which will
never experience the corrupting effects of sin (1
Corinthians 15:51-57).
"And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be
no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more
pain, for the former things have passed away."
(Revelation 21:4)