We read from Luke 24: 1-6, on the first day of the week, at early dawn, they (Mary, Martha and others) came to the tomb, taking the spices that they had prepared. They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they went in, they did not find the body. While they were perplexed about it, suddenly two men in dazzling clothes… said to them, “Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here, but has risen. Remember how he told you, while he was still in Galilee.
The above passage, which is similarly recorded in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark and John confirm that Christ Jesus did not remain dead in the tomb of Joseph of Arimathea where his body was kept but arose from the dead on the third day after his crucifixion. Jesus foretold his death. May our spices to preserve the body of Christ, which is the church, not be too late as in the case of Mary etc. Jesus arose for the following reasons among others;
He was in the form of God
Philippians 2: 6 says though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God. To the extent death could not hold him captive. His power did not change but remained the same. Hebrews 13: 8 says Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. We read from Revelation 1: 8; 21: 6; 22: 13, “I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, who is and who was and who is to come. It is Jesus who is to come the second time as our judge. Colossians 3: 3 says for you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. In Christ, we rise again in his form in eternity.
He was without sin
Jesus therefore remained righteous and holy and true to his nature. 2Corinthians 5: 21 says for our sake he (God) made him (Jesus) to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. Hebrews 4: 15 says for we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who in every respect has been tested as we are, yet without sin. Jesus said in John 11: 25, “I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in me,(without sin) even though they die, will live. Only the righteous will rise again in eternity with Jesus.
He conquered the world
Death is of the world but Jesus was of heaven so he conquered the world. John 16: 33 says… In the world you face persecution. But take courage; I have conquered the world!” Jesus rose from the dead because he conquered the world of sin and death. He had the power to overcome the world. Jesus said in Matthew 28: 18- 20, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations,… I am with you always, to the end of the age. Jesus has given us the same authority to also conquer the world with righteousness and rise from death in eternity with him to reign.
He had the keys to death
Death shuts the door to a glorious life. Only Jesus has the keys to that door. He said to his disciples in Luke 18: 33; 24: 7, 46… on the third day he will rise again. Jesus’s word is in John 1: 14 full of grace and truth. John 17: 17 says his word is truth. Jesus does not tell a lie that he has the keys to death. He said in Revelation 1: 18, I was dead, and see, I am alive forever and ever; and I have the keys to Death and of Hades. He also said in John 10: 17 for this reason the Father loves me, because I lay down my life in order to take it up again. He has risen with the keys of Death for our escape to eternal life.
Jesus rose to save our souls
Jesus said in John 14: 19, in a little while the world will no longer see me, but you will see me; because I live, you will also live. Jesus came to save our souls so he does not want us to remain dead in the tomb of sin and woe. He called out to Lazarus of Bethany in John 11: 43, Lazarus, come out! He is calling us today to come out of sin to save our souls. Jesus said in John 11: 25, “I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in me, even though they die, will live. On this memorial day of Jesus’s resurrection, let us also rise from our dead works of sin to embrace his glorious righteousness so we will live forever.
CHRIST HAS RISEN FROM THE DEAD! HALLELUJAH!
Prayer
Dear Lord Jesus, to the extent that death could not hold you captive please rescue us from sin and death unto righteousness eternal life. Help us to overcome the tomb with the pureness of life by which you have risen from the dead. As you have risen above the world, help us to also rise above worldly pleasures. Let us celebrate you as the risen Christ with sobriety and dedication to your will in your holy name, Amen!!
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