Matthew 28:1-6 In the end of the sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulchre. And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it. His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow: And for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead men. And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified. He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.
The first day of the week is Sunday, and Matthew tells us that on this particular Sunday a great earthquake occurred and an angel descended from heaven to roll away the stone. Not to let Jesus out, but to let the skeptics and doubters in! For the Jewish people, the week ends with the Sabbath (Saturday) at sundown. This particular Sunday, which followed the feast of the Passover, was designated for offering the first fruits unto God, which was a pledge of the full harvest to follow. “But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the first fruits of them that slept.” (1 Corinthians 15:20) Jesus Christ’s resurrection from the dead was the first fruits of the new covenant. It is God’s guarantee that those who repent of their sin and trust in His atoning sacrifice will also rise victoriously from the dead. The crux of the gospel is not only that Jesus died for our sins, but that He rose again from the dead. Without the resurrection, there is no gospel. Without the resurrection, man has no hope.
Jesus Christ was not only delivered for our offenses, He was also raised again for our justification (Romans 4:25). Jesus is a living, risen Lord! It takes a risen, living Lord to save a lost soul and to comfort us when we grieve. It takes a risen, living Lord to strengthen us when we are weak and to take us to heaven when we die. It takes a risen, living Lord to give hope. Jesus said to Martha, “I am the Resurrection and the life”! (John 11:25) Any area of your life today that you consider to be dead or hopeless is under the influence of a lie. No sin or situation in your life is stronger or greater than the resurrection power of Jesus Christ to forgive or heal. The resurrection life of Jesus Christ is greater than any addiction, any broken relationship, any disease, or the power of any sin that has brought your life under its bondage. Hallelujah!
