Jesus spoke openly and repeatedly about His resurrection, making it clear that His death would not be the end but a divine victory. Throughout the Gospels, He foretold His suffering, death, and resurrection on the third day—not as vague prophecy, but as a central part of His mission. These bold predictions were meant to prepare His disciples and to anchor their faith in what was to come. Jesus emphasized the resurrection because it confirmed His identity, fulfilled prophecy, and laid the foundation for Christian hope.
For believers today, Jesus’ resurrection is more than a historical event—it’s a living promise. It assures us of eternal life, validates His divine nature, and empowers us to live transformed lives. Even in moments of fear or uncertainty, we can stand firm, knowing that the same power that raised Christ from the dead is at work in us.
Keep reading for a deeper dive into Jesus’ own words about His resurrection—and discover how they can bring power, purpose, and peace to your life today.
When it comes to the resurrection, Jesus didn’t leave any room for ambiguity. He spoke clearly and directly about his return from death, providing his followers with hope and a foundation for their faith. Let’s dive into what Jesus said about his resurrection, why it’s crucial, and how it impacts you today.
Foretelling His Resurrection
Jesus didn’t just hint at his resurrection; he spoke about it openly and often. In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem, suffer many things, be killed, and on the third day be raised (Matthew 16:21). This prediction wasn’t a one-time mention. He reiterated it several times to emphasize its importance.
Explicit Predictions
- Matthew 17:22-23: “When they came together in Galilee, he said to them, ‘The Son of Man is going to be delivered into the hands of men. They will kill him, and on the third day he will be raised to life.’”
- Mark 8:31: “He then began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests and the teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and after three days rise again.”
- Luke 9:22: “And he said, ‘The Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests and the teachers of the law, and he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life.’”
These passages highlight Jesus’ clear and repeated announcements of his resurrection. He wanted his followers to understand that his death wasn’t the end but the beginning of something greater.
The Significance of the Resurrection
Why did Jesus stress his resurrection so much? It’s simple: his resurrection is the cornerstone of Christian faith. Paul the Apostle put it plainly: “And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins” (1 Corinthians 15:17). Without the resurrection, there’s no victory over sin and death.
Assurance of Eternal Life
Jesus’ resurrection is a promise of eternal life for believers. He said, “Because I live, you also will live” (John 14:19). This isn’t just a comforting thought; it’s a guarantee. By conquering death, Jesus ensured that death isn’t the final word for those who follow him.
Proof of His Divinity
The resurrection also confirms Jesus’ divinity. He declared, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die” (John 11:25). Only God has power over life and death, and by rising from the dead, Jesus demonstrated his divine nature.
The Impact on Early Disciples
Jesus’ predictions about his resurrection were initially met with confusion and disbelief by his disciples. However, after witnessing his resurrection, their faith transformed from fear to bold proclamation.
Before the Resurrection
Even though Jesus told his disciples about his resurrection, they struggled to grasp it. For instance, when Jesus was arrested, they scattered in fear (Matthew 26:56). Their reactions show they didn’t fully understand or believe in the resurrection yet.
After the Resurrection
The resurrection changed everything. The disciples went from hiding to boldly preaching about Jesus. They were willing to face persecution and death because they had seen the risen Christ. Peter, who denied Jesus three times, became a fearless leader in the early church, proclaiming, “God has raised this Jesus to life, and we are all witnesses of it” (Acts 2:32).
What It Means for You
Understanding what Jesus said about his resurrection isn’t just about knowing historical facts; it’s about grasping its significance for your life today.
Hope in Times of Trouble
Jesus’ resurrection offers hope. No matter what you face, you can trust that death and suffering aren’t the end. Jesus’ victory over death means you can have hope, even in the darkest times. As Paul wrote, “I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead” (Philippians 3:10-11).
Foundation for Faith
Your faith isn’t based on a myth or a wishful thinking but on a historical event. The resurrection is well-documented and witnessed by many. This foundation gives you confidence in your beliefs and a reason to share your faith with others.
Living a Resurrected Life
Jesus’ resurrection isn’t just about life after death; it’s about living a new life now. Paul explained, “We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life” (Romans 6:4). Embracing the resurrection means embracing a transformed life, characterized by love, grace, and power.
Conclusion
Jesus didn’t shy away from discussing his resurrection; he made it central to his mission. He spoke clearly about it, ensuring his followers understood its importance. The resurrection isn’t just a past event but a present reality that impacts your life today. It’s the foundation of your faith, the source of your hope, and the promise of your future.
By understanding and embracing what Jesus said about his resurrection, you’re not just gaining knowledge—you’re experiencing the power of a risen Savior in your own life. So, let’s live with the confidence and hope that comes from knowing Jesus is alive!
FAQs: What Did Jesus Say About His Own Resurrection?
1. What did Jesus say about his resurrection?
Jesus spoke openly and frequently about his resurrection. He predicted that he would be killed and would rise again on the third day. Passages like Matthew 16:21, Mark 8:31, and Luke 9:22 capture these predictions.
2. Why is the resurrection of Jesus important?
The resurrection of Jesus is crucial because it’s the cornerstone of Christian faith. It confirms Jesus’ divinity, assures believers of eternal life, and validates all his teachings. Without the resurrection, Christian faith would be futile (1 Corinthians 15:17).
3. How did Jesus’ resurrection impact his disciples?
Initially, the disciples didn’t fully understand or believe in the resurrection. However, after witnessing the risen Christ, they transformed from fearful followers into bold proclaimers of the gospel, willing to face persecution and death for their faith.
4. How can the resurrection of Jesus impact my life today?
Jesus’ resurrection offers hope, especially in difficult times. It provides a foundation for your faith and a promise of eternal life. Embracing the resurrection means living a new, transformed life characterized by love, grace, and power.
5. Are there specific Bible verses where Jesus predicts his resurrection?
Yes, there are several Bible verses where Jesus predicts his resurrection, including:
- Matthew 16:21: “From that time on Jesus began to explain to his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things… and that he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life.”
- Mark 8:31: “He then began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things… and that he must be killed and after three days rise again.”
- Luke 9:22: “And he said, ‘The Son of Man must suffer many things… and he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life.’”
6. What does Jesus’ resurrection mean for the promise of eternal life?
Jesus’ resurrection means that believers also have the promise of eternal life. Jesus said, “Because I live, you also will live” (John 14:19). His victory over death assures believers that death isn’t the end, but the beginning of eternal life with God.
7. How does Jesus’ resurrection prove his divinity?
The resurrection demonstrates Jesus’ power over life and death, which only God possesses. Jesus declared, “I am the resurrection and the life” (John 11:25), affirming his divine nature and authority.
8. What should I do if I want to understand and experience the power of Jesus’ resurrection?
To understand and experience the power of Jesus’ resurrection, embrace faith in Jesus and his teachings. Study the Bible, pray, and seek a relationship with God. Live a life transformed by the principles Jesus taught, characterized by love, grace, and service to others.
