“Christ has been raised from the dead…” (1 Corinthians 15:20)
After reading the moving accounts of Jesus’ suffering, death, and burial, today we reflect on His resurrection. Jesus did not remain in the grave. He rose as the Victor; death did not have the final word!
When God created the world, death had no place in it. It was not part of His perfect design. The fact that people die is a consequence of sin. When Jesus conquered the power of sin through His sacrifice on the cross, death also lost its power. He is “the firstborn from the dead” (Colossians 1:18). He is the source of the new, eternal life over which death has no power.
The resurrection of Jesus was a source of joy for His disciples. This event shifted their entire perspective on life: disappointment and confusion gave way to hope and joy. Until that moment, they had followed Jesus and had been witnesses to His miracles. They had witnessed His suffering and death with their own eyes. Now they were to go out into the world to tell about Him. For the news that Jesus has risen must reach all nations.
Imagine for a moment that Jesus had not risen. How would that affect your life?