As Paul was awaiting his execution, the resurrection of Jesus was on the forefront on his mind (2 Timothy 2:8-9). Like Paul, we too need to be ever mindful of the resurrection of our Lord. In fact, when it comes to the resurrection, there are some specific things the Bible urges us to remember.
It’s Occurrence
- In 1 Corinthians 15:3-8, Paul emphasizes how Jesus’ resurrection is a historical fact!
- Jesus died (vs. 3). The Romans made sure of this (Mark 15:44-45; John 19:34).
- Jesus was buried (vs. 4). His body was placed in a tomb owned by Joseph of Arimathea (Matthew 27:60).
- Jesus raised (vs. 4). Also see Matthew 28:5-7; Acts 2:23-24).
- Jesus was seen alive (vss. 5-8). There were hundreds of witnesses to the resurrection!
- The witnesses were changed by what they saw!
- The resurrection of Jesus really happened!
It’s Uniqueness
- Other cases of resurrection in the Bible:
- Lazarus (John 11)
- The widow from Zarephath’s son (1 Kings 17:17-24)
- The Shunammite woman’ son (2 Kings 4:32-37)
- Dorcas (Acts 9:36-42)
- Eutychus (Acts 20:9-10)
- The widow from Nain’s son (Luke 7:11-17)
- Jarius’ daughter (Mark 5:35-43)
- What makes Jesus’ resurrection more unique than these?
- It was predicted (John 2:19-22; Mark 10:33-34).
- He was raised never to die again (Romans 6:9).
- It verifies His identity (Romans 1:4).
It’s Significance
- What if Jesus was not raised? See 1 Corinthians 15:12-19.
- Preaching the gospel is vain (vs. 14).
- Our faith is vain (vs. 14).
- The apostles are false witnesses (vs. 15).
- We are still in our sins (vs. 17).
- “Those who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished (vs. 18).”
- “We are all of men most to be pitied (vs. 19).”
- But since Christ has been raised…
- Preaching the gospel is validated.
- Our faith is priceless.
- The apostles were telling the truth.
- We can receive forgiveness from God.
- Those who have died in Christ have not perished.
- We ought to be envied by the world!
Conclusion: The resurrection of Jesus should motivate us to give our lives to the Lord. Has it?
