Creator, Father, King #241

God released him from the horrors of death and raised him back to life, for death could not keep him in its grip.

DESPONDENT AND RESTLESS, THE trio of women couldn’t wait any longer.

The Sabbath day between Friday’s notorious Crucifixion and the start of a new week felt interminable. They had to see their Lord again, even if his body was shrouded in death. So they left their homes before dawn and hurried to the tomb outside Jerusalem’s walls.

After Jesus had died, Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus, two God-fearing members of the Sanhedrin, took Jesus’ body from the cross and laid it in a tomb Joseph owned. After Saturday’s Sabbath, Mary Magdalene, another Mary (the mother of James), and Salome went there early to anoint the body with ointments and fragrances, according to ancient Jewish burial customs.

But when they arrived, they were astonished at what they saw. The large stone blocking the tomb’s entrance had been rolled away. The tomb itself was empty. Suddenly, a magnificent angel appeared and pronounced the glorious news: “‘Don’t be afraid!’” he said. ‘I know you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He isn’t here! He is risen from the dead, just as he said would happen’” (Matthew 28:5-6).

Miraculously, the Son of God was alive!

What’s It Mean?

For the next ten days, we’re going to study Jesus’ resurrection and what it means for us.

The resurrection of Christ is the single greatest event in human history. Of course, his death was undeniably important in God’s great salvation plan. But without the Resurrection, Jesus’ death would have ultimately been remembered as nothing more than a famous Roman crucifixion—a glorified footnote in the pages of antiquity. The Resurrection gave Jesus’ death true meaning.

Jesus actually defeated death! Ponder that. It’s staggering. As today’s verse says, “God released him from the horrors of death and raised him back to life.” Jesus 1, Death 0. No rematch!

No matter how often you’ve heard this life-changing news, don’t let your heart grow impervious to it. The Resurrection’s spiritual impact for us cannot be overstated.

Without Christ’s resurrection, we would only know fear, condemnation, death, and eternal separation from God. But with the Resurrection, there is John 3:16. There is forgiveness of sin. There is joy, mercy, and grace. There is eternal life.

Praise God for raising his Son!

Now What?

Read all four gospel accounts of the Resurrection: Matthew 28:1-15; Mark 16:1-8; Luke 24:1-12; and John 20:1-18.

Did You Know?

Scripture affirms that both the Father and Son were actively involved in the Resurrection (see today’s verse and John 10:18)—beautiful, divine mystery at work!