Jesus’ teachings on resurrection offer both assurance and a call to action. At the heart of the Christian faith, resurrection is not only a miraculous event but also a promise of eternal life for all who believe in Him. Jesus declares in John 11:25, “I am the resurrection and the life,” making it clear that belief in Him leads to life beyond death. His own resurrection, witnessed and recorded in all four Gospels, confirms His divine authority and sets the foundation for the Christian hope that death is not the end.
More than a one-time miracle, Jesus presents resurrection as part of God’s eternal plan—both physical and spiritual. He promises that believers will be raised to eternal life, while also warning of a coming judgment for all. These teachings aren’t just theological—they shape how we live now, calling us to live with hope, pursue righteousness, and share the message of salvation. Keep reading to discover the deeper truths and eternal promises Jesus reveals through His words about resurrection.
The resurrection is a cornerstone of Christian belief. It’s the promise of life after death and the hope that sustains many believers. But what does Jesus Himself say about resurrection? Let’s explore His teachings and see what the Bible reveals about this profound topic.
Understanding Resurrection
Resurrection, in Christian theology, is the act of rising from the dead. It’s central to the faith because it’s tied to the very nature of salvation and eternal life. Without resurrection, the Christian hope would be incomplete.
Jesus’ Own Resurrection
The most significant event in Christianity is Jesus’ resurrection. After His crucifixion, Jesus rose from the dead on the third day, an event documented in all four Gospels. This resurrection is crucial because it confirms Jesus’ divine nature and His victory over sin and death.
Matthew 28:5-6 tells us: “The angel said to the women, ‘Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; He has risen, just as He said.’”
Jesus’ resurrection is not just a miraculous event; it’s the foundation of Christian hope. If Jesus conquered death, believers trust that they too will share in this victory.
Jesus’ Teachings on Resurrection
Jesus spoke about resurrection multiple times, providing insights and hope to His followers. Let’s look at some key moments where Jesus addressed this topic.
The Resurrection of Lazarus
In John 11, we read about the death and resurrection of Lazarus, one of Jesus’ close friends. When Jesus arrived at Lazarus’ tomb, He was confronted by Martha, Lazarus’ sister, who expressed her faith in a future resurrection.
Jesus responded with profound words in John 11:25-26: “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?”
Here, Jesus isn’t just talking about a future event but identifying Himself as the source of resurrection and life. Belief in Jesus means entering into a life that death cannot conquer.
The Promise of Eternal Life
In John 6:40, Jesus offers a clear promise: “For my Father’s will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise them up at the last day.”
This passage underscores the connection between faith in Jesus and the promise of resurrection. It’s God’s will that believers in Jesus will not only have eternal life but will also be resurrected on the last day.
The Nature of the Resurrected Body
One question many people have is about the nature of the resurrected body. Jesus provides some insight into this as well.
Jesus’ Resurrected Body
After His resurrection, Jesus appeared to His disciples in various forms. Luke 24:36-43 describes one such appearance where Jesus shows His disciples His hands and feet, urging them to touch Him to see that He is not a ghost. He even eats a piece of fish to prove His physical resurrection.
This shows that the resurrected body is both physical and transformed. It’s real and tangible, yet not bound by the same limitations as our earthly bodies.
Paul’s Explanation
The Apostle Paul also sheds light on this topic in 1 Corinthians 15:42-44: “So will it be with the resurrection of the dead. The body that is sown is perishable, it is raised imperishable; it is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory; it is sown in weakness, it is raised in power; it is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body.”
Paul contrasts our current perishable bodies with the imperishable, glorified bodies we’ll receive at the resurrection. These new bodies will be powerful and spiritual, suited for eternal life with God.
The Future Resurrection
Jesus also spoke about the future resurrection, which involves not just believers but all people.
The General Resurrection
In John 5:28-29, Jesus explains: “Do not be amazed at this, for a time is coming when all who are in their graves will hear His voice and come out—those who have done what is good will rise to live, and those who have done what is evil will rise to be condemned.”
This passage indicates a general resurrection where everyone will be raised and judged according to their deeds. It emphasizes the importance of living a righteous life in accordance with God’s will.
The Final Judgement
In Matthew 25:31-46, Jesus describes the final judgment where the righteous and the wicked are separated like sheep from goats. The righteous inherit eternal life, while the wicked face eternal punishment.
This parable reinforces the reality of the resurrection and the subsequent judgment. It’s a reminder that our choices in this life have eternal consequences.
Living in Light of the Resurrection
Understanding Jesus’ teachings on resurrection should impact how we live our lives. Here are some practical takeaways:
Hope and Assurance
The promise of resurrection provides hope and assurance. Knowing that death is not the end gives believers the strength to endure hardships and remain faithful.
Motivation for Righteous Living
The reality of a future judgment motivates us to live righteously. Our actions have eternal significance, and living in accordance with Jesus’ teachings is crucial.
Sharing the Good News
Finally, the message of resurrection is a core part of the Gospel. As believers, it’s our mission to share this hope with others, offering them the same assurance of eternal life through Jesus Christ.
Conclusion
Jesus’ teachings on resurrection are clear and transformative. He identifies Himself as the resurrection and the life, offering hope and assurance to all who believe in Him. His own resurrection demonstrates the power of God over death and serves as a promise of what’s to come for His followers. As we await the future resurrection, let’s live with hope, strive for righteousness, and share the good news of eternal life with those around us.
FAQs: What Does Jesus Say About Resurrection?
1. What is resurrection in Christian belief?
Resurrection in Christian belief is the act of rising from the dead. It’s central to the faith because it signifies the promise of eternal life and the victory over sin and death through Jesus Christ.
2. Why is Jesus’ resurrection important?
Jesus’ resurrection is crucial because it confirms His divine nature and victory over death. It’s the foundation of Christian hope, showing that believers too will share in this victory.
3. What did Jesus say about resurrection?
Jesus made several statements about resurrection, including:
- “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die” (John 11:25).
- “For my Father’s will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise them up at the last day” (John 6:40).
4. What is the significance of the resurrection of Lazarus?
The resurrection of Lazarus demonstrates Jesus’ power over death and reinforces His identity as the source of resurrection and life. It also highlights the importance of faith in Jesus for eternal life.
5. What will our resurrected bodies be like?
Our resurrected bodies will be imperishable, glorified, powerful, and spiritual, according to 1 Corinthians 15:42-44. They will be real and tangible, yet not bound by the same limitations as our earthly bodies.
6. What did Jesus say about the future resurrection?
Jesus spoke of a future resurrection where all people will be raised and judged according to their deeds. In John 5:28-29, He mentions that those who have done good will rise to live, and those who have done evil will rise to be condemned.
7. What is the final judgment?
The final judgment, as described by Jesus in Matthew 25:31-46, is when the righteous and the wicked are separated like sheep from goats. The righteous inherit eternal life, while the wicked face eternal punishment.
8. How should the belief in resurrection impact our lives?
Belief in resurrection provides hope and assurance, motivates righteous living, and encourages believers to share the good news of eternal life through Jesus Christ. Knowing that our actions have eternal significance influences how we live our daily lives.
9. How can I share the message of resurrection with others?
You can share the message of resurrection by living out your faith, discussing Jesus’ teachings, and offering the hope of eternal life to those around you. Use opportunities in conversations, social media, and community involvement to spread this core part of the Gospel.
10. Where can I find more about Jesus’ teachings on resurrection in the Bible?
Key passages about Jesus’ teachings on resurrection include:
- John 11:25-26 (The resurrection of Lazarus)
- John 6:40 (Promise of eternal life)
- John 5:28-29 (General resurrection)
- Matthew 25:31-46 (Final judgment)
- 1 Corinthians 15:42-44 (Nature of the resurrected body)
