The Resurrection Miracle
Jesus Overcomes Death
The most important moment in the history of Christianity is the resurrection of Jesus Christ, which is a miraculous manifestation of God’s omnipotence, love, and redemptive nature. The narrative of Jesus’ resurrection, as it is told in the New Testament of the Bible, is of great importance and gives Christians assurance that they will live on after death.
The Prediction:
Prophets predicted Jesus’ arrival and the miraculous circumstances surrounding his life, death, and resurrection centuries before he actually set foot on our planet. The book of Isaiah contains one such prophecy:
“But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.” NIV, Isaiah 53:5
The Crucifixion:
The cruel crucifixion of Jesus by Roman rulers marked the beginning of the events leading up to his resurrection. Jesus willingly went through the pain of the cross, taking the sins of humanity upon himself, even though he had committed no crimes. The earth trembled, and darkness descended upon the area as he exhaled his last breath, signifying the seriousness of the situation.
“And Jesus gave up his spirit after yelling out in a loud voice once again. The temple’s curtain was split in half at that precise time. The rocks cracked, the earth trembled, and the tombs burst open. Many pious individuals who had passed away had their bodies raised to life.” Matthew (NIV) 27:50–52
The Tomb Vacant:
On the first day of the week, three days after his crucifixion, the tomb in which Jesus had been buried was discovered to be empty. This was an amazing event. As Mary Magdalene and the other women arrived at the tomb to anoint Jesus’ body with spices, they discovered that the tomb was empty and that the stone had been removed. Angels welcomed them and brought the startling news:
“He has risen, just as he declared, and is no longer here. Visit the location where he was buried.” Matthew (NIV) 28:6
The Encounter
After his resurrection, Jesus showed himself to his disciples and many others, providing indisputable evidence of his triumph over death. He displayed his hands and side to them, showing that he was still alive despite the wounds from his crucifixion. During one such encounter, Thomas—who had not believed the accounts of his resurrection—saw Jesus:
“After that, he told Thomas to put his finger here so he could view my hands. Extend your hand and place it against my side. Give up skepticism and have faith. Thomas addressed him, saying, “My God and my Lord.” 20:27–28 in John (NIV)
The Assured:
God has promised people repentance, salvation, and eternal life, and the ultimate fulfillment of this promise is found in the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Jesus overcame sin and death with his death and resurrection, making salvation available to everyone who believes in him:
God provided his one and only Son because he loves the world so much that everyone who believes in him will not
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16 (NIV)
The Expectation:
For believers, the resurrection of Jesus Christ represents a ray of hope, proving that life has triumphed over death and that those who put their faith in him will experience eternal life. It serves as a reminder that God’s strength is bigger than any obstacle we may encounter, even in the darkest of circumstances.
“I am life and the resurrection. “Whoever lives by believing in me will never die, and the one who believes in me will live even though they die.” NIV John 11:25–26
Christians everywhere rejoice in the resurrection of Jesus Christ because they understand that they have also been given the gift of eternal life as a result of his victory over death. Believers are still encouraged and inspired by the mystery of the resurrection, which brings consolation, certainty, and the hope of a wonderful future spent with God.