Following Jesus’ crucifixion, He was buried, and his tomb was closely guarded (Matt. 27:62-66). While the extra security prevented any possibility of Jesus’ body being stolen by His disciples, it did not stop God from raising His Son from the dead.
As an angel said to Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Jesus, “Fear not ye; for I know that ye seek Jesus, who hath been crucified. He is not here; for He is risen, even as He said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay” (Matt. 28:5-6).
Following His resurrection, Christ appeared to His apostles and over five hundred brethren at once (1 Cor. 15:5-8). He was on earth for forty days after His resurrection (Acts 1:3), before ascending back into heaven (verse 9).
Jesus’ resurrection had a significant impact on His apostles (cf. John 20:28). Festus reported that the apostle Paul’s enemies “had certain questions against him of their own religion, and of one Jesus, who was dead, whom Paul affirmed to be alive” (Acts 25:19).
Through God’s written Word, we can have the faith in Christ’s resurrection that His apostles did (John 20:29-31).
The truth of Jesus’ resurrection gives the righteous hope of being raised to spend eternity in heaven with Him (1 Thes. 4:14).
May we appreciate Christ’s resurrection, and submit to His terms for being raised to eternal life (Heb. 5:9).
– Michael Hickox