The Resurrection of Jesus Christ

The four gospels (Matthew 28:1-10), Mark 16:1-14), Luke 24:1-12), and John 20:1-18) present four narratives about the resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. Put together, they give us comprehensive details of Christ’s resurrection. Here is Matthew’s account of the order of events.

“Now after the Sabbath, toward the dawn of the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb. 2 And behold, there was a great earthquake, for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and came and rolled back the stone and sat on it. 3 His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing white as snow. 4 And for fear of him the guards trembled and became like dead men. 5 But the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. 6 “He is not here, for he has risen, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay. 7 “Then go quickly and tell his disciples that he has risen from the dead, and behold, he is going before you to Galilee; there you will see him. See, I have told you.” 8 So they departed quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to tell his disciples. 9 And behold, Jesus met them and said, “Greetings!” And they came up and took hold of his feet and worshiped him. 10 Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid; go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee, and there they will see me.” (Matthew 28:1-10).

In summary, the four gospels give a complete details of the events of that historic day when Jesus Christ rose from the dead. The women discovered that the stone at the door of the tomb where Jesus was buried was removed. Upon entering, they met angels who had assured them that Jesus had risen from the dead. “He is not here, for he has risen, as he said. Come see the place where he lay.” (Mat. 28:6). The women then “departed quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to tell his disciples.” (Mat. 28:8). 

Peter and John arrived at the tomb. “Peter went out with the other disciple, and they were going toward the tomb.” (The “other disciple” was John). “Both of them were running together, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. And stooping to look in, he saw the linen cloths lying there, but he did not go in. Then Simon Peter came, following him and went into the tomb. He saw the linen cloths lying there, and the face cloth which had been on Jesus’ head not lying with the linen cloths but folded up in a place by itself. Then the other disciple, who had reached the tomb first, also went in, and he saw and believed.” (John 20:3-8). 

The Scriptures provide clear and undeniable proof of Christ’s resurrection. On Easter Sunday, Christians celebrate the glorious resurrection of the Lord Jesus on the third day after his crucifixion. “He is not here, for he has risen, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay.” (Matthew 28:6). Jesus hinted of His resurrection before it actually took place. The Jews asked Jesus “What sign do you show us for doing these things?” Jesus answered them, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” (John 2:18,19). Jesus was referring specifically to His bodily resurrection after His crucifixion.

Unfortunately, because of the COVID-19 pandemic guidelines to “shelter-at-home,” many people of faith will not be able to meet in houses of worship. And understandably so. This is a prudent and cautious move by Centers for Disease Control to slow the spread of this deadly infectious disease. Some may not agree, but it is in line with the Scriptures, which state “Whoever resists the authorities resists what God as appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment” (Romans 13:2). We must obey God’s word.

Because of technology, many Churches will be live-streaming Easter Sunday services where we can participate within our homes. Let’s remember God is present at all times. Jesus said, “For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them” (Matthew 18:20). The Church of Jesus Christ is not the building but a body of born-again believers in Christ. Christians gather in a building to be in one place during normal times. But the present times are not normal times. Even so, we must give God thanks we are still able to worship and celebrate the resurrection of our Lord. 

Upon learning that Jesus has risen from the dead, the women who went to the tomb departed quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy and ran to tell his disciples. Like those women, Christians have so much to rejoice about the resurrection of Jesus., because “We know that Christ, being raised from the dead, will never die again; death no longer has dominion over him. For the death he died, he died to sin, once for all, but the life he lives he lives to God” (Romans 6:9,10).

We can therefore celebrate the resurrection with these things in mind, and also knowing that today there is an empty tomb, (He is not here) and an occupied throne in heaven (He is seated at God’s right hand). Christ has conquered sin, death, hell, and the grave.