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“He is not here: for he is risen…” Matthew 28:6
Every year the world must hear about the resurrection of Jesus Christ. All the Muslims, Buddhists, New Agers, atheists, etc. are informed one more time that Jesus died on the cross for our sins, was buried and arose again the third day for our salvation.
Christianity is the only “religion” with a living Founder.
“He is not here: for he is risen…” Matthew 28:6
We can sing at the top of our voices, “He lives, He lives, Christ Jesus lives today…”
Unbelievers have given all kinds of reasons to contradict the resurrection. Some say it was a “fraud” designed by His disciples. Isn’t it odd that His disciples didn’t believe it? They had to see it to believe it (John 20:25.) Had the disciples tried such subterfuge, the soldier who plunged a sword in Christ’s side would have ruined their plans.
Others say that the disciples came by night and stole His body away. How would eleven untrained men with only two swords overcome a band of combat ready soldiers? These Roman soldiers had been ordered to make Christ’s tomb “as sure as ye can” (Matthew 27:65.) It seems that the Pharisees were afraid something like this might happen.
Some unbelievers have said that Christ “swooned” (fainted) and people assumed He was dead. Again we have the problem of the sword stuck into His side and blood and water ran out of Him. Even Pilate doubted His death and ordered the guards to make sure before taking Him off the cross. Pilate asked proof of Christ’s death from the centurion, a seasoned officer who certainly would know the difference between swooning and dying.
When there was no doubt that Christ had left the tomb with the seal intact, the stone in place and His burial clothes neatly folded, the Pharisees reverted to “payola.” Just as Judas was paid to betray Him, the Romans were paid to lie about His resurrection. These Roman soldiers in charge of not letting such a thing happen, were then paid to cover it up when it did!
Isn’t it interesting that no time was spent trying to find Jesus’ body? It is also interesting to note that no charges were filed against anyone. If a person in charge of an inmate were to let him escape, the Roman government required his life for letting him escape (Acts 12:19,) yet none were executed in this instance.
Christ’s resurrection did not result in His hiding from the people.
“To whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days…” Acts 1:3
If the empty tomb was not enough to prove His resurrection (Matthew 28:6; Luke 24:6; John 20:5-7,) we have eye witnesses. Mary Magdalene saw Him and talked with Him (John 20:14-16.) The women that came to the tomb and were sent by an angel to tell of His resurrection, were met by Christ and they fell at His feet and worshipped Him (Matthew 28:5-10.) Two of His disciples met Him on the road to Emmaus and He revealed Himself to them (Luke 24:3-31.) Christ was seen of over 500 believers at one time (1 Corinthians 15:6.) Paul said that James, the Lord’s half brother saw Him, also. The scripture doesn’t say where James saw Him or when he did, just that he saw Him. Evidently, James shared this experience with Paul.
We know that Stephen saw Him (Acts 7:56) and so did Paul (Acts 9:4-6; 1 Corinthians 15:8.)
The word of God says that Christ showed Himself alive “by many infallible proofs,” (Acts 1:3.) The word here is “infallible” means “incapable of error.” These were not “conclusive proofs” or good “circumstantial evidence,” but “infallible.”
The resurrection of Jesus Christ is so important that without it no one can be saved!
“For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:” 1 Corinthians 15:3-4
The gospel pertains to Christ’s death, burial and resurrection. Do not overlook that Christ’s death and resurrection was “according to the scriptures.” The Old Testament contained many prophecies in regard to how Christ was to die and rise again. Everyone of them was fulfilled at His death and resurrection.
He still lives! He is seated at the right hand of the Father. One day (hopefully) soon we shall appear with Him in glory.
“When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.” Colossians 3:4
Keep Looking Up!
Leland Maples