Resurrection Sunday
This month we celebrate that wonderful day, Resurrection Sunday. The following are incredibly positive words to believers, no doubt causing all who read to shout; “Hallelujah!”
1 When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome, bought spices, so that they might come and anoint Him. 2 Very early on the first day of the week, they came to the tomb when the sun had risen. 3 They were saying to one another, "Who will roll away the stone for us from the entrance of the tomb?" 4 Looking up, they saw that the stone had been rolled away, although it was extremely large. 5 Entering the tomb, they saw a young man sitting at the right, wearing a white robe; and they were amazed. 6 And he said to them, "Do not be amazed; you are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who has been crucified. He has risen; He is not here; behold, here is the place where they laid Him. 7 "But go, tell His disciples and Peter, ' He is going ahead of you to Galilee; there you will see Him, just as He told you'" (Mark 16:1-7).
In a study done by the Barna Research Group, a rather frightening statistic was revealed. “In a recent survey, 35% of born-again Christians, over 1 in 3, answered that Jesus did not physically rise from the grave.” In American life today, the truths of the Word of God seem to be eroding faster than a muddy California hillside hit by a raging spring rainstorm. And with it, the house of faith in which we live seems like it could come crashing down.
But there have been skeptics throughout human history. Recall that in Jesus’ day there were two primary Jewish political and religious groups; the Pharisees and the Sadducees. During the time of Christ, the Sadducees held powerful positions in Israel, including that of the chief priest and the high priest as well as the majority of the 70 seats on the ruling council, the Sanhedrin. While the Sadducees placed emphasis on the Word of God, especially the Books of Moses, they were, however, big-time skeptics as far as the resurrection was concerned. The New Testament states that they denied any resurrection of the dead (read Matthew 22:23—On that day some Sadducees (who say there is no resurrection); Mark 12:18-27—Some Sadducees (who say that there is no resurrection); & Acts 23:8—For the Sadducees say that there is no resurrection). Jesus discussed this doctrine with them as well as did Paul. Often Paul preached to these skeptical Sadducees as well as to others who refused to believe and many who were searching for answers to the question of life after death. To the believers in Corinth, Paul wrote these words of hope and life: 12 Now if Christ is preached, that He has been raised from the dead, how do some among you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? 13 But if there is no resurrection of the dead, not even Christ has been raised; 14 and if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is vain, your faith also is vain. 15 Moreover we are even found to be false witnesses of God, because we testified against God that He raised Christ, whom He did not raise, if in fact the dead are not raised. 16 For if the dead are not raised, not even Christ has been raised; 17 and if Christ has not been raised, your faith is worthless; you are still in your sins. 18 Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished. 19 If we have hoped in Christ in this life only, we are of all men most to be pitied (1 Corinthians 15:12-19).
Rejoice in the Good News! Rejoice that the Lord Jesus Christ came to live, die and rise for us and that He is alive forevermore!
Max Lucado relates an amazing sight a friend of his saw at Disney World. He was visiting Cinderella’s castle and the place was filled with children and parents. All of a sudden, the room full of children rushed over to one side of the big hall. Someone had come in. It was Cinderella herself.
The young lady in the costume was perfect for the part—beautiful features, long flowing blonde hair, and a radiant smile. The kids all crowded around her, each one wanting to touch her, to somehow get her attention.
Over on the other side of the room, however, stood a small boy, maybe 6 or 7. It was hard to tell how old he was because his little body was so deformed. He just stood there, looking longingly toward the lovely princess. You could tell he wanted to go over and talk to her like all the other children, but he remained transfixed, holding tightly to the hand of his older brother.
It was fear that kept him there—fear of yet another rejection, of being mocked or rudely pushed aside. But above all the hubbub, Cinderella noticed the boy and began to walk toward him. Gently, but firmly, she extricated herself from the clutching hands of the other children and made her way across the room. She dropped to her knees in front of him and placed a kiss on his forehead.
Lucado likens this vignette to the story of God’s love for us. Instead of a princess of Disney, we have the Prince of Peace. Rather than a handicapped boy, we are the thief on the cross. Both received a gift, but Jesus gave so much more than Cinderella. What if she’d taken upon herself the little boy’s disfigurement and given him her beauty?
That’s what Jesus Christ did for us!
This Easter and every day, celebrate His life, death, and life!
Pastor John
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