He Is Risen

Background Scripture: Matthew 28; John 20
Lesson Scripture: Matthew 28:1-10

Introduction

He is risen! Never has such a succinct proclamation so altered the course of human events. When Jesus arose victorious from the tomb, the faith of the ancients was validated, and all future generations could live in the power of the risen Savior. Utter hopelessness was changed to unspeakable joy as “death [was] swallowed up in victory” (1 Cor. 15:54).

The same Jesus who created a perfect world employed Himself in a flawless plan to save fallen humanity. By his example, He showed us that the way to a renewed life was by a complete surrender and a willingness to go to Calvary. His healed wounds are a wonderful testimony of his commitment to stop at nothing to redeem us. “Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift” (2 Cor. 9:15).

Key Verse

This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses (Acts 2:32).

Lesson Scripture

Studying the Lesson

As Easter morning began to dawn over Jerusalem, a look into the hearts of its inhabitants could have revealed a vast array of human emotion. The Jewish leaders awoke with the feeling of smugness. Their plan to deal with that preacher who had threatened to usurp their position and power had worked out well. Now for the first time in days they could relax, knowing that the Jesus problem had been taken care of once and for all.

Meanwhile, in another part of the holy city, others were stirring to restless consciousness. Women devoted to Jesus, some of his closest friends, were planning to go before sunrise to the tomb of the Man whom they had hoped would be their Savior. In a world where hope is something to hold on to, their hope for the future was gone.

It must have been with trepidation that these ladies approached the tomb. They were well aware that a guard of Roman soldiers had been set to make sure the body of Jesus was not tampered with. Instinctively the women may have hastened the last short way to the tomb. Imagine their surprise when they saw the open door of the sepulcher and the guard vanished. And most wonderful of all, an angel who seemed to radiate light was seated on the massive stone that had barred the door!

The same heavenly being whose appearance had caused the soldiers to become as dead men now drew close to the women and offered them an invitation to come and see the empty tomb. They knew now that this angel was their friend. Hope again resurfaced in their hearts as the angel spoke to them of the risen Lord and where they would find Him.

These women could hardly comprehend the fact that Jesus was not only gone from the tomb but had risen to eternal life! They were not prepared to see Him in person as they had before. Only the born-again believer can understand the reverence and great joy that overwhelmed them as they met Jesus. To be personally recognized and accepted by the Savior is an experience like none other. Never again would their lives be the same!

Practical Truths for Today

The birth, death, and resurrection of Jesus are familiar to most of secular society. Christianity embraces these events as foundational and core doctrinal beliefs. Many acknowledge that these things actually happened and attach historical significance to them. Some go so far as to become emotionally involved. They experience joy at the Christmas season, are moved by the horrors of the crucifixion, and are happy to celebrate the risen Lord. However, this story is meant to be deeply personal. “He died for me . . . Oh praise His name, He set me free . . . Christ Jesus died to save my soul.” 1

Stark contrasts make up the resurrection story. In it, evil gave way to holiness, and the corrupt teachings of the formally religious were replaced with the power of truth and righteousness. The stifling rigidity of the law was fulfilled in the freedom of Spirit-inspired living. What a wonderful, earth-changing event! Nontheless, the true essence of its greatness is found in the personal, living faith of individual believers and their changed lives.

Jesus is the central figure of the Easter story and must remain so. No doubt Calvary had been used routinely as a place of execution, yet was largely undistinguished to the world of that day. Now millions come to see the place where Jesus died. The common tomb in which He was buried was never intended for royalty, and yet it became the most revered burial ground of all time. It was Jesus who made all the difference. He stooped to become as a common man, sacrificing everything to purchase redemption for an entire fallen human race. Our Savior bore the degradation of judgment and was forced to carry a cross that was greater than his strength to a humiliating death. This He did by choice: “He didn’t have to, but He loved me, gave His life for even me.” 2

And then, after three days, a miracle! On this most wonderful of days, Jesus rose from the grave as a conquering Savior. Just as the first rays of a beautiful sunrise lighten a darkened world, so the glorious light of salvation brings joy to the hearts of men.

The path of the sinner parallels the one that Jesus took from Pilate’s judgment hall to Calvary and then to the tomb. We also face judgment, but one that we deserve. In our lives, we carry burdens that are greater than we are able to bear. Eventually, we must reach the cross. Here, stripped of self, we will submit to death. This death includes our sins, our own righteousness, and our will. Here our past is released, and our future with its unknowns is surrendered; it is no longer our own. This death, which seems so final, is the passage to a new life in Christ.

There are times when we accompany a loved one to their place of surrender. We stand by and watch as they cry out in anguish, wondering if God Himself has forsaken them. Maybe, like Jesus’s friends, our hope is shaken, and we wonder if victory will ever be won. In these dark times, let us “watch with [them] one hour” (Matt. 26:40), knowing that “weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning” (Ps. 30:5).

But then, after death, the resurrection—alive in Christ, remade to live for Him and to be like Him. Everything is changed, for “old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new” (2 Cor. 5:17). Like Mary meeting Jesus near the tomb, our friends may hardly recognize us as the same person. With our countenance free from the burden of sin, our words no longer tainted by the influence of the world, and our goals tempered by the desire to live for Christ, the evidence of a new life will be clear.

We will want others to know about the risen Lord. The salvation story is so simple, so free, and of unimaginable worth. As “heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ” (Rom. 8:17), we are given free access to the “unsearchable riches of Christ” (Eph. 3:8). Let us share freely with a world greatly in need of Jesus, the risen Lord.

Questions

1. How can we consistently experience the fullness of joy promised us as followers of a risen Lord?
2. What is it that makes the witness of faithful Christian youth living for their risen Lord so impressive to the world?
3. What is the evidence of walking in the “newness of life”? (Rom. 6:4). What is the fruit that proves that one has “risen with Christ”? (Col. 3:1).
4. 1 “Christ Died for Me,” Harriet E. Jones (1823-1915), Inspirational Songs for Men
5. 2 “He Comes to Bless My Soul,” Geraldine Koehn, Strength & Song Book 1
6. Unsubscribe

Source: COGICM Daily Bible Readings (Daily Bible Readings, PO Box 124, Glenn, CA 95943).