Matthew 28:8-9

During his ministry, Jesus predicted his death and resurrection. He told the church leaders of his day, "Destroy this temple, and I will raise it again in three days" (John 2:19). He explained to his disciples, "The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, be crucified and on the third day be raised again" (Luke 24:7).

Do you see how much was on the line when the lifeless body of Jesus was laid in the tomb on Good Friday afternoon? His claim to be able to reverse the course of death was at stake. On the third day, on Easter morning, Jesus backed up his claim by rising from the dead.

The death and resurrection of Jesus are facts that are coupled together for our peace and comfort. Good Friday and Easter, the cross and the open grave go together. On Good Friday Jesus met the problem of sin head-on. He bore the guilt of all people and it crushed him to death. But on Easter, he rose victoriously to life. The penalty of sin was paid; death was defeated.
 
When the women hurried from the tomb, they were thrilled by the angel's message. They were still frightened, but they had the message that Jesus is risen. Then suddenly Jesus appeared to them. Their reaction was to fall at his feet and worship him. Our reaction to Jesus who died and rose is the same. Christ's resurrection is the foundation of our reconciliation with God and the assurance of our own resurrection. We can say, "Because Christ rose, we are forgiven by God. Because Christ rose, we too confidently expect to rise."  

Without Christ's resurrection, what is our past but a trail of unforgiven sin? Without Christ's resurrection, what is our present but a meaningless jumble of incidents and accidents, of cycles and circles, without point or purpose in anything? Without Christ's resurrection, what is our future but a road we must travel knowing that the certainty of death with all its uncertainties is waiting for us at the end?

The comforting assurance we have is with Jesus Christ. He died to take away the fear of dying. He didn't stay dead, and we won't, either. Jesus has given us faith, hope, love, and he has given us eternal life.  

Worship him!