The Background: Death and Despair

The Resurrection occurs after the darkest day in human history—the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.

• The Crucifixion: Jesus died a brutal, public death and was confirmed dead by Roman soldiers. He was buried in a new tomb provided by Joseph of Arimathea.

• The Guard and the Seal: The religious leaders, fearing the disciples might steal the body and claim He rose, asked the Roman government to seal the tomb and place a large guard of soldiers outside (Matthew 27:62–66). Everything was done to ensure the burial was final and irreversible.

• The Despair: Jesus's followers were scattered, terrified, and overwhelmed by despair. Their hope—that Jesus was the promised Messiah—seemed to have died with Him.

I. The Miracle: The Earth-Shaking Event

The Resurrection was a cosmic, earth-shaking event that occurred without human witness, followed by the appearance of the risen Christ.

• The Empty Tomb: Early on the first day of the week, an angel of the Lord descended, rolled back the stone, and sat on it. The guards were so terrified they fainted. When the women arrived to anoint the body, they found the tomb empty. The angel declared the simple, glorious truth: “He is not here, for he has risen, as he said.” (Matthew 28:6)

• The Proof: The disciples and followers later found the grave clothes still lying neatly in the tomb, which proved the body was not stolen; it had passed right through the linens.

• The Appearances: Over the next forty days, Jesus appeared bodily to His disciples, to women, to two people on the road to Emmaus, and to over five hundred people at one time (1 Corinthians 15:6). This established the certainty and reality of His resurrected body.

II. The Character Trait: Ultimate Victory

The Resurrection is the fundamental pillar supporting the entire Christian faith, revealing God’s ultimate triumph.

• Divine Approval: The Resurrection is the Father's "Amen" to Christ's sacrifice. It proves that Jesus was indeed the Son of God (Romans 1:4), that His death fully paid the penalty for sin, and that God accepted the sacrifice.

• Victory Over Death: Jesus rising from the dead proves that sin and death have been defeated. The keys of death and Hades belong to Him (Revelation 1:18).

• Guaranteed Hope: Paul writes: "If Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins." (1 Corinthians 15:17). Because He lives, we have a living hope—a guarantee that we, too, will be resurrected to eternal life with Him. The Resurrection transforms Jesus from a great teacher into the living Savior.

Applying the Truth Today

The Resurrection of Jesus is your daily source of power and hope. As a new Christian, you are now united with Christ in His death and resurrection (Romans 6:4–5).

This means that the same power that raised Jesus from the dead is available to help you overcome sin and live a new life today. Every time you face temptation or fear, remember the empty tomb. Your faith is not based on a dead hero, but on a living Savior who guarantees your victory and your eternal future.

Reflection Questions for Your Journey:

1. The Living Savior. How does knowing that Jesus is alive right now change the way you pray, compared to praying to a dead historical figure?

2. Victory Over Sin. The Resurrection guarantees your victory over sin. What specific area of sin or struggle in your life can you claim Christ’s resurrection power over today?

3. Future Hope. How does the guarantee of your own future resurrection with Christ change your perspective on death and suffering in this life?

Your Reading Guide

To grasp the angel's proclamation and the first appearances, read Matthew 28:1–10. Next, read the central importance of the Resurrection in 1 Corinthians 15:17, 20. Finally, read the promise of new life in Romans 6:4.