The Easter season is a time of renewal, hope, and celebration of Christ’s resurrection. As we continue our Easter reading plan, day 16 focuses on some key passages in the Gospels and Acts that highlight the meaning and significance of this important event.
Luke 24:1-12 – The Empty Tomb
On the first day of the week after Jesus’ crucifixion, some of his female followers went to his tomb to anoint his body with spices. When they arrived, they were astonished to find the stone rolled away and the tomb empty. Two men in dazzling white suddenly appeared and told the women that Jesus had risen from the dead, reminding them he had predicted this. The women hurried to tell the disciples, who initially didn’t believe them. However, Peter ran to the tomb and saw the linen cloths lying there but no body. He wondered at what had happened.
This passage describes the dramatic discovery of Jesus’ empty tomb on Easter morning. His resurrection had been prophesied, and now the reality was setting in for his followers. The removal of his body and the angelic messengers confirmed that something miraculous had occurred. Jesus was no longer dead but resurrected to new life, as he had promised.
Luke 24:13-35 – The Road to Emmaus
That same day, two followers of Jesus were heading to the village of Emmaus, discussing the reports of his resurrection. Jesus began walking with them but they didn’t recognize him initially. He asked them what they were discussing so mournfully. They explained about Jesus’ crucifixion and the puzzling reports of his resurrection. Jesus chastised them for being slow to believe and explained from the Scriptures how the Messiah had to suffer and die before entering his glory. As they reached Emmaus, the men urged this stranger to stay for a meal. When Jesus broke bread with them, they suddenly recognized him, but he immediately vanished. The men reflected on how their hearts burned as Jesus had opened the Scriptures to them.
This intimate story provides insight into Jesus’ resurrected nature – he was recognizable yet changed in some way. It also shows Jesus tenderly opening the Scriptures to explain his death and resurrection were part of God’s redemptive plan, giving the disciples hope. Their eyes were opened when Jesus broke bread with them, a foretaste of communion.
John 20:19-23 – Jesus Appears to His Disciples
On the evening after his resurrection, Jesus appeared to his frightened disciples who were gathered secretly behind locked doors. He showed them his hands and side to prove his identity and they rejoiced at seeing their risen Lord. Jesus commissioned them to continue his work and breathed on them to receive the Holy Spirit to equip them for ministry. He gave them authority to forgive or retain sins.
This passage provides one of the most explicit proofs that Jesus had returned from the dead and underscores his desire to personally comfort his disciples. It also shows Jesus passing on his mission to his followers, with the Holy Spirit empowering them for ministry. The reference to forgiveness of sins connects to Jesus’ sacrificial death on the cross.
Acts 2:22-32 – Peter Preaches about the Resurrection
On the Day of Pentecost, the disciple Peter gave a bold sermon explaining the meaning of Jesus’ life, death and resurrection. He recounted how although Jesus did miraculous wonders, the people crucified him. But God raised him from the dead, as King David had prophesied about the Messiah not being abandoned to the realm of the dead. Jesus’ resurrection and exaltation fulfilled Scripture, and Peter and the other disciples were witnesses of the risen Christ.
Peter presented the resurrection as the climax of Jesus’ ministry and the proof that he was the Messiah. His eyewitness testimony lent authority to this claim, providing persuasive evidence to many listeners that Jesus was who he claimed to be. The resurrection was part of God’s plan all along, not an unexpected development.
1 Corinthians 15:12-28 – The Resurrection of the Dead
Paul strongly affirmed that Christ was raised from the dead, stressing the catastrophic implications if that was untrue. If there is no resurrection, then Christ himself cannot have been raised either. All preaching and faith would be futile, and believers would still be mired in sin. But Christ’s resurrection ensures the future resurrection of his followers. His triumph over death is the firstfruits and guarantee of the full harvest to come. All earthly powers and authorities will eventually be subject to Jesus, including death itself.
This passage provides one of the clearest expressions of the centrality of the resurrection to the Christian faith. Belief in Jesus’ historical, bodily resurrection is essential and has critical saving power for believers. His victory over death heralds the glorious future resurrection for those who are united with him.
Romans 6:1-14 – Dead to Sin, Alive in Christ
Paul anticipated the question that if God’s grace has super-abounded, why not continue in sin? He rejected this strongly, saying believers have died to sin through their union with Christ in his death and resurrection. They are no longer enslaved but freed from sin. Just as dying physically frees one from earthly life, dying spiritually with Christ frees one from sin’s mastery. Believers must count themselves dead to sin but alive for God in Christ. Sin should not reign over their mortal bodies or enslave their wills.
This passage connects the resurrection to personal sanctification. Jesus’ resurrection power and new life extends to believers, enabling them to live righteously. His victory over sin and deathallowshis followersto share in that triumph spiritually, growing in grace and holiness.
Reflecting on the Resurrection
As we reflect on these passages, we see common themes emerge about the significance of Jesus’ resurrection:
- It was a real, literal, physical event, not just a metaphor or myth.
- It was a miraculous display of God’s power over death, sin and evil.
- It fulfilled Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah.
- It validated Jesus’ divine identity and message.
- It launched the early Christian movement empowered by the Spirit.
- It offers hope of future resurrection and eternal life to believers.
- It motivates Christians to turn from sin and walk in new life.
The eyewitnesses to the resurrected Christ took this truth as their guiding light and orienting point going forward. As we prepare to celebrate Easter, may Christ’s definitive victory over death resound in our hearts as the defining truth of the Christian faith.