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God raised him up, loosing the pangs of death, because it was not possible for him to be held by it. Acts 2:24
D.L. MOODY
It has always been a mystery to me when every disciple of Jesus Christ who was anywhere near Jerusalem, was not at the sepulchre on the morning of the third day after the crucifixion. Over and over again, He told them that He would arise. One of the last things He said to them, as they were on their way to the Mount of Olives, was—“After I am risen again, I will go before you into Galilee” (Matthew 26:32). But there is not one solitary passage that tells us that they had any expectation of His resurrection. It seems as if His enemies had better memories than His friends. When His body was laid away in the tomb, the Jews went to Pilate, and wanted him to make it secure because, they said, “We remember that that deceiver said, while he was yet alive, After three days I will rise again” (Matthew 27:63).
ERWIN LUTZER
One day, a missionary was sharing the gospel with someone. The person responded, “Oh, I wouldn’t follow Jesus because I would follow a loser.” That person was evidently thinking of Jesus on the cross; they did not understand He was a mighty victor in His resurrection!
By His death and resurrection, Jesus proved that death, Satan, and sin do not get the last word. Jesus crushed the head of the serpent (Genesis 3:15). On the cross, we are told Jesus forgave our trespasses and “disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him” (Colossians 2:15). The resurrection sealed that victory.
There was not a tomb deep enough, there were not grave clothes strong enough, and there was not a stone heavy enough to keep Jesus in the tomb. He was raised to redeem us—He alone qualifies as a Savior.
PRAYER
Lord Jesus, deepen my faith in you as I navigate life’s journey in your resurrection power.REFLECTION QUESTIONS
What qualifies Jesus to be able to save us from sin and death?
How did Jesus’ work on the cross defeat death?