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10740 Faith Promise Lane | Knoxville, TN 37931 | [email protected] | (865) 251-2590
TODAY’S READING
Matthew 28:1-20 (NIV)
After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb.
2 There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. 3 His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. 4 The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men.
5 The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. 6 He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. 7 Then go quickly and tell his disciples: ‘He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.’ Now I have told you.”
8 So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples. 9 Suddenly Jesus met them. “Greetings,” he said. They came to him, clasped his feet and worshiped him. 10 Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me.”
11 While the women were on their way, some of the guards went into the city and reported to the chief priests everything that had happened. 12 When the chief priests had met with the elders and devised a plan, they gave the soldiers a large sum of money, 13 telling them, “You are to say, ‘His disciples came during the night and stole him away while we were asleep.’ 14 If this report gets to the governor, we will satisfy him and keep you out of trouble.” 15 So the soldiers took the money and did as they were instructed. And this story has been widely circulated among the Jews to this very day.
16 Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. 17 When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. 18 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
DEVOTIONAL
Can you imagine a world where the final word is not death, but life? This is the monumental promise of the resurrection of Jesus, a victory that echoes through time, offering hope and renewal to all who believe. Why is the resurrection so vital to our faith, and how does it shape our understanding of life, death, and hope? In this blog, we’re diving into the heart of Christianity, exploring the transformative power of the resurrection. Join us as we uncover the reasons this event is foundational for believers, promising not only a future resurrection but also a life of purpose and transformation here and now. Let’s explore how this victory over death influences our daily lives and how we can live out this incredible truth every day.
In the journey of faith, the cross and the resurrection of Jesus stand as two pillars that uphold the essence of Christianity. While the cross symbolizes the depth of Jesus’s sacrifice for humanity, the resurrection is the triumphant declaration of victory over death and sin. This victory is not just a historical event; it’s the foundation of our hope and future, making the resurrection as crucial as the cross itself. It assures us that no matter the challenges we face, there’s a promise of renewal and restoration. Here’s why the resurrection is essential for our faith and how it speaks to our hope and future.
First, the resurrection validates Jesus’s claims about His identity and mission. Throughout His ministry, Jesus made bold claims about being the Son of God and having the authority to forgive sins (Mark 2:5-7, John 10:30). The resurrection is the Father’s “Amen” to these claims, a powerful affirmation that Jesus is who He says He is. Without the resurrection, the story of Jesus might end in tragedy and defeat. But with it, we see the truth of His words illuminated in the light of victory.
Second, the resurrection is our assurance of a future hope. This triumph is not just for Jesus but for all who believe in Him. It’s a promise that death does not have the final word, offering us a glimpse into a future where we, too, can overcome death. Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 15:17, “And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins.” The resurrection is the cornerstone of our faith, assuring us that death is not the end but a transition to eternal life with God. It’s a promise that the pain and suffering of this world are temporary, and a glorious future awaits those who trust in Jesus.
Lastly, the resurrection empowers us to live transformed lives. Because Jesus rose from the dead, we, too, are offered new life—a life freed from the chains of sin, guilt, and shame. Romans 6:4 says, “We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.” This new life is not just about personal transformation; it’s about being agents of change in a world desperate for hope.
In light of the significance of the resurrection, how can we respond in practical ways? Here are three actionable steps:
Celebrate the Resurrection Year-Round
Don’t confine the celebration of Jesus’s resurrection to Easter. Integrate the truth of the resurrection into your daily life through prayer, worship, and reflection. Let the reality of Jesus’s victory over death inspire you in your daily challenges and encourage you when you face trials.
Share the Hope
“Winning your world” isn’t just about sharing a message; it’s about sharing hope. Use the story of the resurrection to offer hope to those around you who are struggling with despair, loss, or failure. Remind them (and yourself) that with Jesus, the worst thing is never the last thing.
Live Transformed Lives
Let the power of the resurrection fuel your transformation. Ask God to help you live out the new life He offers, making choices that reflect your identity as a follower of the risen Christ. Be bold in “winning your world” by living differently, loving radically, and serving selflessly.
The resurrection of Jesus is not just a past event to be remembered; it’s a present reality to be lived and a future hope to be embraced. It assures us that in Jesus, death and despair never have the last word. As we go about “winning our world,” let the truth of the resurrection be the message we carry and the hope we offer, reminding us and those around us of the life and victory found in Christ.
