No event on record proves to be as astounding as Easter. It is not magical, but the story is majestic. It’s not a myth, but this changed the course of history. What makes it so different is the resurrection of Jesus. He is more than a mere man, yet He lived among the world and changed every life He encountered. Christ forewarned of His death, burial, and resurrection to His disciples. He told them He would be arrested, put to death, and rise on the third day. (Matthew 17:22-23). Though many mocked and teased Him about this declaration, they would soon realize He was not an ordinary man.
Crucifixion was an excruciating ordeal to go through and a type of capital punishment. It was a gruesome public display to execute criminals to dissuade anyone from breaking the law. Unlike others, Jesus didn’t commit any crime, yet they sentenced Him to death. So, how did Easter change everything? His death paved the way for our salvation. No other person could have been acceptable for such a great redemption for humanity. When you read of those whose the world considers martyrs, after they die, their bodies remain in the grave.
The Chief Priest and the Pharisees convinced Pilate to set a guard to secure the tomb lest His disciples come by night and steal Jesus’ body. They even paid the guards to lie to explain His missing body. (Matthew 27:62-66; 28:13). As the evidence shows, when Mary Magdalene, the other Mary, Salome Joanna, and the other women went to visit the grave, the tomb was empty. They ran and told the disciples. They ran to the tomb and found the linen cloth without the body. Peter noticed the face cloth that was folded in a place by itself. (Matthew 28:1-10; Mark 16:1-12; Luke 24:1-12; John 20:1-23). It confirmed that Jesus had risen because only a glorified body has the power to rise after being wrapped in grave clothes, leaving behind such evidence.
They returned to their homes, but Mary stayed, weeping because they did not comprehend that He had risen. Two angels came questioning her over the reason for her anguish. And suddenly Christ appeared, but she didn’t know who He was. When He spoke her name, she recognized Him and told the disciples as He instructed her. On the first day of the week, Jesus showed Himself to His apostles. (John 20:1-18). 500 witnesses also saw him over 40 days before the Lord went home to heaven. (1 Corinthians 15:1-11). Even death could not contain Him. Still, how can this be possible? His resurrection was inevitable, and there was nothing anyone could do to change that.
His death paid a debt we did not deserve and can never repay. Had He not died, there would be no substitute for the sins of humanity. (John 3:16, AMP). We would have been without hope and the possibility of everlasting life with Christ. Jesus is the hero and yet He dies for the sinners. Oh, what a noble sacrifice the Lord made for us. We didn’t even warrant such an act of honor and allegiance, but He thought us worthy to die for.
Dear Friend, as you celebrate Easter, do not use it to come to church as a one-time offering but commit to serving Him with all your heart, mind, and strength. This day confirms that Jesus’ resurrection defeated death and Jesus is the Son of God, who prepared the way for our pardon. It seals our faith and belief in Jesus Christ. Easter brought us hope, access to freedom from sin, and the greatest opportunity that will lead to a new life, and we shall never be the same.
How does the resurrection change your perspective on the precious gift of salvation?
Can you help encourage someone today? Please comment and let us know how this devotional inspired you. Thank you kindly.
I pray the musical selection, Glorious Day by Travis Cortell stirs your heart and faith in God.
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