Is Jesus’ Resurrection From The Dead Really A Big Deal?
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I carefully chose the title question for today’s message with the present tense “is” and not the past tense “was.” There is no doubt that according to Scripture, Jesus’ resurrection from the dead was a huge deal. He appeared to over 500 people. Reactions ranged from amazement, awe, fear, shock, bewilderment, to skepticism and doubt. Clearly though, it was a big deal….it forever changed the world. My question is this. Is it still a big deal today?” Please read more.
Imagine for a moment, being present in a prison to witness the execution of a prisoner. Imagine seeing the doctor pronounce this prisoner dead. Imagine watching the family of the deceased burying their dead relative. What would your reaction be, if three days later, this prisoner whom you watched being executed and buried not only miraculously rose from the dead but appeared and spoke with many people? Today, this resurrected person would be interviewed on every talk show and be the subject of every newscast. A new blockbuster movie about this event would take the nation by storm. It would be a big deal. People would be talking about it everywhere.
That is exactly how the reaction was immediately following Jesus’ resurrection. Has the story line of His resurrection lost its “wow factor” in our modern world? Has His resurrection become old news? Are we talking about it every chance we get?
In 1 Corinthians 15:17, Paul wrote, “and if Christ has not been raised, your faith is vain; you are still in your sins.” The Resurrection is a big deal. If Jesus Christ did not rise from the dead, our faith is in vain. If He did rise from the dead, we should never stop talking about it. The reality of His resurrection should consume us.
Through His death and resurrection, Jesus, our Messiah, triumphed over death. He fulfilled the Old Testament prophesies. He took our sins to His grave. He opened the gates of Heaven. Has there ever been bigger news in the history of man?
Ancient Hebrew scripture foretold the spectacular day of Jesus’ resurrection. “Many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake; some to everlasting life, others to reproach and everlasting disgrace. But those with insight shall shine brightly like the splendor of the firmament, and those who lead the many to justice shall be like the stars forever.” (Daniel 12:2-3).
Paul stated emphatically in Romans 1:4 that is was through His resurrection that Jesus declared to the world that He was in fact the Son of God. Through His resurrection Jesus proved everything that He had said was true. Through His resurrection, He not only proved His power over death but He assured us of our life after death. How can we ever tire of telling this story? Yet for some reason, we do.
Let’s never shy away from the opportunity to proclaim this truth. “There is no salvation through anyone else, nor is there any other name under heaven given to the human race by which we are to be saved.” (Acts 4:12)
Having just celebrated Easter, let’s find a new resolve to proclaim His Name with boldness and strength and let’s tell the world about the power of the Resurrection.
One day, every knee will bend and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father. Until that wonderful and glorious day comes, let’s go forth with a renewed excitement to proclaim the truth of our risen Lord to all who will listen. Christ is risen! Yes indeed, He is raised from the dead. We must never take this lightly or for granted. Rising from the dead is a really big deal! It is the biggest deal in human history. Alleluia!
Heavenly Father, I believe with all of my heart, soul and being that your Son, Jesus the Lord, rose from the dead. Give me the courage to share this good news with everyone I meet. Amen!
As always, I love to read your comments below as well as hear from you personally by clicking here.
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Love this so much! Sometimes throughout the year I lose focus and ask myself what am I really doing and why, sometimes days long and sometimes just a brief thought, and I always come back to Easter, the Resurrection. It’s such a joy to remember those times during Easter season so that I may remember Resurrection in the future and also be thankful I remembered the Resurrection in the past.
AMEN!
Thanks for your post John!
Briam
Brian. Thank you very much for the reinforcing and reassuring message. Very helpful and significant. Enjoyed your Lenten Mission at Ss. Peter and Paul in Philipsburg, Pa. with Father John. Have a blessed Easter Time. Jerry
Jerry
Thanks for your post. I really enjoyed my time at your parish. It was a blessing to be with you during Lent. Father John hasn’t converted me to a Penn State fan yet. I think it is his intent to keep inviting me back until he does. (This is an inside joke. I went to Ohio State University and the pastor, Fr. John, is a huge Penn State fan.)
God bless
Brian
Thank you, Brian. I treasure your 4th Day Letters every two weeks.
Why “4th Day” Letters? Is it because everything changed forevermore after He rose on the Third Day?!
Fred
Thanks for your post and kind words. There are two reasons for the name 4th Day Letters. The first is that many Christian movements such as Walk to Emmaus, Cursillo, Via de Christo and Kairos all involve Christians making a three day retreat and following that retreat they are called to live out the rest of their life (their 4th day) as changed Christians and better Disciples of Christ. The second reason is the one you cited. Jesus rose on the 3rd day and the world has been living out the 4th day ever since. Thus I wanted to provide some inspiration for all of us on our 4th day journey.
God bless
Brian
Truly well said.
Gordon
Thanks for your post!
Brian