The resurrection of Jesus is the cornerstone of the Christian faith—an event that not only confirms His divine identity but also offers hope and eternal life to all who believe. After being crucified on Good Friday, Jesus was buried in a sealed tomb. On the third day, Easter Sunday, the tomb was found empty, and angels declared, “He is not here; He has risen.” Jesus then appeared to His followers over 40 days, offering proof of His resurrection, giving the Great Commission, and eventually ascending into heaven.
This miraculous event fulfilled ancient prophecies and demonstrated Jesus’ victory over sin and death, proving He is the Son of God. For believers, the resurrection provides assurance of salvation, the promise of their own resurrection, and a compelling reason to live a life of faith and purpose. Keep reading for a deeper dive into how this powerful moment changed history—and how it continues to transform lives today.
Understanding the resurrection of Jesus is pivotal to grasping the core of Christian faith. This event is celebrated annually on Easter Sunday and is regarded as the cornerstone of Christian beliefs. Here’s a concise yet comprehensive look at what happened during Jesus’ resurrection, its significance, and how it impacts believers.
The Crucifixion
Before diving into the resurrection, it’s essential to briefly touch on the events leading up to it. Jesus was crucified on a Friday, known as Good Friday. He was betrayed by Judas, arrested, tried, and sentenced to death. Crucifixion was a brutal method of execution used by the Romans, intended to be both painful and humiliating.
Jesus’ death was accompanied by several miraculous signs. According to the Gospels, the sky darkened from noon until three in the afternoon, and the temple veil tore in two (Matthew 27:45-51). Jesus’ last words were, “It is finished,” signifying the completion of His mission on Earth (John 19:30).
The Burial
After Jesus’ death, His body was taken down from the cross and laid in a tomb provided by Joseph of Arimathea, a wealthy follower of Jesus. The tomb was sealed with a large stone, and guards were posted to prevent any tampering with the body (Matthew 27:57-66).
The Resurrection
Discovery of the Empty Tomb
Early on Sunday morning, Mary Magdalene and other women went to the tomb to anoint Jesus’ body with spices. To their astonishment, they found the stone rolled away and the tomb empty. An angel appeared to them and said, “He is not here; He has risen, just as He said” (Matthew 28:6). The women were instructed to tell the disciples about Jesus’ resurrection.
Jesus Appears to His Followers
After the discovery of the empty tomb, Jesus appeared to several people over the next 40 days. His first appearance was to Mary Magdalene, who didn’t recognize Him at first but soon realized it was Jesus when He called her by name (John 20:14-16).
Jesus also appeared to two disciples on the road to Emmaus. They didn’t recognize Him until He broke bread with them, at which point their eyes were opened (Luke 24:13-35). Later, Jesus appeared to His disciples, who were hiding in fear of the Jewish authorities. He showed them His wounds, proving He was indeed alive (John 20:19-20).
The Great Commission
One of the most significant post-resurrection appearances was when Jesus met His disciples in Galilee. Here, He gave them what is known as the Great Commission: “Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you” (Matthew 28:19-20). This command set the foundation for the Christian mission to spread the Gospel worldwide.
Ascension to Heaven
Forty days after His resurrection, Jesus ascended to heaven. He took His disciples to the Mount of Olives, blessed them, and was taken up into the sky while they watched (Acts 1:9-11). This event marked the end of Jesus’ earthly ministry and the beginning of His heavenly reign.
The Significance of the Resurrection
Fulfillment of Prophecy
Jesus’ resurrection fulfilled numerous Old Testament prophecies, such as Isaiah 53 and Psalm 16:10, which spoke of the Messiah’s suffering, death, and victory over the grave. By rising from the dead, Jesus validated His claim to be the Son of God and the promised Savior.
Proof of Divinity
The resurrection serves as proof of Jesus’ divinity. In Romans 1:4, Paul states 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 miraculous event confirmed that Jesus was more than a prophet or teacher; He was God in the flesh.
Victory Over Sin and Death
The resurrection signifies Jesus’ victory over sin and death. By rising from the dead, Jesus conquered the grave and offered eternal life to all who believe in Him. As Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 15:55-57, “Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting? The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Foundation of Christian Hope
The resurrection is the foundation of Christian hope. Believers are assured that just as Jesus was raised from the dead, they too will be resurrected to eternal life. This hope is articulated in 1 Thessalonians 4:14, which states, “For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in Him.”
Impact on Believers
Assurance of Salvation
The resurrection assures believers of their salvation. By trusting in Jesus’ death and resurrection, Christians are promised forgiveness of sins and eternal life. This assurance is a cornerstone of Christian faith, providing peace and confidence in God’s promises.
Motivation for Living a Holy Life
Knowing that Jesus conquered death and lives forever motivates believers to live holy lives. The resurrection power that raised Jesus from the dead is available to Christians, enabling them to overcome sin and live in obedience to God (Romans 6:4).
Basis for Christian Mission
The resurrection underpins the Christian mission. The Great Commission, given by the risen Jesus, compels believers to share the Gospel with others. This mission is driven by the knowledge that Jesus is alive and reigns as Lord, and that His message of salvation is urgent and life-changing.
Conclusion
Jesus’ resurrection is not just an event in history; it’s the foundation of Christian faith. It fulfills prophecy, proves Jesus’ divinity, and assures believers of victory over sin and death. This event continues to impact the lives of millions, offering hope, assurance, and a mission to spread the Gospel. Understanding the resurrection helps us grasp the essence of Christianity and its transformative power in our lives.
FAQs About Jesus’ Resurrection
1. What is the resurrection of Jesus?
The resurrection of Jesus is the event where Jesus Christ rose from the dead on the third day after His crucifixion. This event is celebrated by Christians worldwide on Easter Sunday and is considered the cornerstone of Christian faith.
2. Why is Jesus’ resurrection important?
Jesus’ resurrection is crucial because it validates His claims to divinity, fulfills Old Testament prophecies, and signifies His victory over sin and death. It assures believers of their salvation and eternal life, forming the foundation of Christian hope.
3. What happened on the morning of Jesus’ resurrection?
On the morning of Jesus’ resurrection, Mary Magdalene and other women went to His tomb to anoint His body with spices. They found the stone rolled away and the tomb empty. An angel informed them that Jesus had risen from the dead.
4. Who did Jesus first appear to after His resurrection?
Jesus first appeared to Mary Magdalene after His resurrection. She initially did not recognize Him but realized it was Jesus when He called her by name.
5. What is the Great Commission?
The Great Commission is the instruction given by the resurrected Jesus to His disciples to spread the Gospel to all nations. He commanded them to make disciples, baptize them, and teach them to obey His commandments (Matthew 28:19-20).
6. How long did Jesus stay on Earth after His resurrection?
Jesus stayed on Earth for 40 days after His resurrection. During this time, He appeared to His disciples and many others, providing proof of His resurrection and teaching them about the kingdom of God.
7. What is the significance of Jesus’ ascension?
Jesus’ ascension, which occurred 40 days after His resurrection, marked the end of His earthly ministry. He ascended to heaven in the presence of His disciples and now sits at the right hand of God the Father. This event signifies the beginning of His heavenly reign.
8. How does Jesus’ resurrection affect believers today?
Jesus’ resurrection affects believers by assuring them of their salvation and eternal life. It provides motivation to live holy lives, knowing that the same power that raised Jesus from the dead is available to them. It also underpins the Christian mission to spread the Gospel.
9. What does the resurrection prove about Jesus?
The resurrection proves that Jesus is the Son of God, as it validated His claims to divinity. It also confirmed that He had the power to conquer sin and death, fulfilling Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah.
10. What is the biblical basis for the resurrection?
The resurrection is detailed in the New Testament, particularly in the Gospels (Matthew 28, Mark 16, Luke 24, and John 20) and is referenced in several other books, such as Acts and 1 Corinthians. Key verses include Matthew 28:6, John 20:14-16, and 1 Corinthians 15:3-8.
11. How can I learn more about Jesus’ resurrection?
To learn more about Jesus’ resurrection, you can read the Gospel accounts in the Bible (Matthew 28, Mark 16, Luke 24, and John 20). You can also study relevant passages in the Acts of the Apostles and the letters of Paul, particularly 1 Corinthians 15. Attending a local church and discussing with knowledgeable Christians can also provide valuable insights.
