Jesus Rose from the Dead
Matthew 27:62-66; 28:5-8; Luke 24:13-16, 32-33, 35
Situated in Red Square in the center of Moscow since shortly after his death in 1924, Vladimir Lenin’s corpse requires daily moisturizing and injection of preservatives under his clothes to safeguard its appearance. His sarcophagus is kept at 61 degrees Fahrenheit, and the humidity is maintained between 80 and 90 percent. The corpse is removed every 18 months for a chemical bath.
Honoring those who serve well in given capacities is admirable, but viewing a lifeless body only reminds us a person is just that – lifeless. Had someone produced and preserved Jesus’ body, Christianity would have no message and doubtlessly would not have survived.
Many balk at the notion of Jesus returning to life, some dismiss the possibility entirely, and still others propagate explanations for the empty tomb. While Jesus’ earthly ministry changed countless lives and His death portrayed unconditional love, it is the resurrection that validates His death’s purpose and provides Christianity’s central message.
What can believers adhere to as proof of Jesus’ actual death and resurrection? His tomb was guarded by soldiers who carefully protected it on penalty of death (Matthew 27:62-66). Jewish authorities didn’t question Jesus’ death, but took precautions to keep His followers from stealing the body and concocting a story about His rumored return to life. Approaching Pilate, they reminded him how Jesus said He would rise from the grave after three days.
Jesus’ resurrection is proved by an empty tomb (Matthew 28:5-8). Some propose that Jesus only swooned on the cross and was revived by the tomb’s coolness, but even the soldiers sent to hasten Jesus’ death by breaking His legs refrained from doing so because He was already dead (John 19:31-34).
The women coming to the tomb early Sunday morning to anoint Jesus’ body were greeted by an angel who confirmed Jesus’ resurrection. The angel also assured them they were at the right tomb but wouldn’t find Jesus. He had been raised from the dead. Though afraid, the women left with great joy to share the angel’s message with the disciples.
Eyewitness accounts also prove Jesus’ resurrection (Luke 24:13-16, 32-33, 35). Two believers on their way to Emmaus encounter the resurrected Jesus. After realizing who He is, they also pass along news of their encounter to others. They had heard the women’s report and were initially discouraged and confused, but a personal encounter with Jesus cleared things up.
In spite of being carefully guarded, the tomb could not hold a resurrected Lord. The women’s joy over Jesus’ resurrection should be ours. As they spread the wonderful news to others, we should, too.
Wiles– Lessons in the BSL series for the spring quarter are being written by Martin Wiles, pastor of First Baptist Church, Harleyville, and author of three books, including the recently published “Grace Greater Than Sin.”