The Easter season is a time of joy and celebration in the Christian church as we remember Jesus’ resurrection and victory over sin and death. As we approach the 40th day of the Easter season, let’s reflect on some key biblical passages that reveal the significance of this joyful time.
Luke 24:1-12 – The Empty Tomb
On the first Easter morning, some of Jesus’ female followers went to his tomb to anoint his body with spices, only to find the stone rolled away and the tomb empty. Two angels appeared and proclaimed that Jesus had risen, just as he said he would. The women rushed to tell the disciples, who were skeptical at first but eventually ran to see the empty tomb for themselves.
This passage shows that Jesus’ resurrection was a real historical event, verified by many eyewitnesses. It also demonstrates that Jesus keeps his promises, as he had foretold his death and resurrection many times beforehand (Luke 9:22). The empty tomb remains a powerful testimony today that Jesus has conquered death and given hope to all who put their faith in him.
John 20:19-23 – Jesus Appears to His Disciples
On the evening of his resurrection day, Jesus suddenly appeared to his frightened disciples who were hiding behind locked doors. After showing them his wounds from the crucifixion, Jesus commissioned them to carry on his ministry empowered by the Holy Spirit. He also gave them authority to proclaim the forgiveness of sins.
This appearance of the risen Christ highlights the reality of his bodily resurrection. His return from the dead demonstrated his power and authority as the Son of God (Romans 1:4). Jesus’ commissioning of the disciples also marked the beginnings of the early church. Through the Spirit, Christ’s followers would take the gospel message to the ends of the earth.
Luke 24:13-35 – The Road to Emmaus
Two of Jesus’ followers were walking from Jerusalem to Emmaus, discussing the confusing reports of Jesus’ missing body. To their astonishment, the resurrected Jesus came alongside them on the road, though they did not recognize him at first. Jesus explained how the Messiah had to suffer and die according to the Scriptures. Later when Jesus took bread and broke it, they suddenly recognized him, only to have him immediately disappear.
This shows Jesus’ patience in revealing himself on his own timing. It also demonstrates how he fulfills the Old Testament prophecies about the suffering servant (Isaiah 53:3-6). The breaking of bread perhaps reminded them of the Last Supper with Jesus. Through his teachings and the Scriptures, Jesus opens our eyes to recognize him as our risen Lord.
John 20:24-29 – Jesus and Thomas
The disciple Thomas was not present when Jesus first appeared to the others after his resurrection. When they told Thomas about seeing the Lord, he insisted he would not believe until he touched Jesus’ wounds himself. A week later, Jesus again appeared to the disciples with Thomas present. He invited Thomas to touch his hands and side, after which Thomas exclaimed, “My Lord and my God!”
Jesus did not rebuke Thomas for his doubts, but provided the evidence he needed to believe. This shows Christ’s patience and understanding with our human weakness. He supplies what we need to trust him, including his word, the Scriptures, and the witness of other believers. As Jesus told Thomas, “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed” (John 20:29).
Matthew 28:16-20 – The Great Commission
Shortly before his ascension, Jesus appeared once more to his disciples on a mountainside in Galilee. Jesus claimed all authority in heaven and on earth, giving them a mandate to make disciples of all nations through baptism and teaching. Jesus also promised his continual presence through the end of the age.
As the resurrected Lord, Jesus commanded his followers to advance God’s Kingdom across the world. This commission launched the disciples into ministry for the rest of their lives, leading to the remarkable growth of the early church. It remains the key mission for all Christians today, backed by Christ’s unlimited authority and abiding presence.
Acts 1:4-11 – The Ascension
After appearing many times over forty days following his resurrection, Jesus ascended visibly up into the sky as his disciples watched. Two angels appeared and promised that Jesus would return in the same way that he departed. This took place on the Mount of Olives near Jerusalem.
The ascension marked the completion of Jesus’ earthly ministry after his victory over death. It signified his glorification and reign with the Father in heaven (Acts 2:33-36). It also gives us hope in Christ’s promised return as triumphant King, just as he ascended as risen Lord. Until then, believers carry on his work empowered by the Spirit.
John 15:1-11 – Abiding in Christ’s Love
On the night before his death, Jesus used the metaphor of a vine and branches to describe the relationship between himself and his followers. Jesus is the vine, and believers are fruitful branches connected to him. He calls us to abide in his love by keeping his commands. This results in joy and fullness.
Through his death and resurrection, Jesus made possible an intimate connection between himself and everyone who puts faith in him. By obeying him and relying on his love through the Spirit, we bear spiritual fruit that brings glory to God. Abiding in Christ leads to joy, not drudgery.
Romans 6:3-11 – Raised to New Life
Paul explains that through baptism, believers have been united with Christ in his death and resurrection. Our old self was crucified with Christ so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin. Instead, we are empowered to live a new life in Christ, just as death no longer has mastery over the resurrected Jesus.
We share in Jesus’ victory over sin and death through faith. His resurrection power sets us free from the dominion of sin and makes possible the new, abundant life we are called to live for his glory. All this is made possible through what Christ accomplished for us.
1 Corinthians 15:12-28 – The Resurrection of the Dead
Paul argues vigorously for the essential place of Jesus’ bodily resurrection as the “firstfruits” and basis for the future resurrection of believers. Because Christ has been raised, those who belong to him will also be raised when he returns. Then the end will come, death will be defeated, and God will reign supreme.
The Christian hope depends entirely on the literal, historical resurrection of Jesus Christ. His resurrection guarantees that his followers will share in final victory over death. The resurrection is not merely a spiritual event – our physical bodies will be transformed, restored, and revived just as Jesus’ was.
Revelation 1:9-20 – The Glorified Son of Man
The apostle John has an awe-inspiring vision of the glorified and exalted Christ, whose face shone like the sun. Jesus appeared as a heavenly figure, clothed in long robes with a golden sash. He held seven stars and walked among seven golden lampstands, with a sharp two-edged sword coming from his mouth.
This startling imagery reflects Christ’s supreme majesty and power after his resurrection and ascension. As the risen Lord, Jesus reigns over the church and judges his enemies. He possesses all authority to carry out God’s purposes on the earth prior to his return. This exalted Jesus remains present with his people amid suffering.
Revelation 5:1-14 – The Lamb Who Was Slain
The apostle John sees a vision of God’s throne in heaven, where Christ appears as a Lamb that was slain but standing in triumph. The Lamb alone is worthy to open the scroll containing God’s decrees about the end times. This prompts praise from countless angels and living creatures around the throne.
Jesus is praised in his exalted state as both the conquering Lion and the sacrificial Lamb. He is worthy to unveil God’s final plans because of his sacrificial death on behalf of humanity. Christ’s resurrection and ascension to heaven reveal his supreme identity and authority over all creation.
Philippians 3:7-11 – Knowing Christ
Paul counts everything as loss compared to knowing Christ. He wilfully shares in Christ’s sufferings and becomes like him in his death in the hope of attaining the resurrection from the dead. Paul presses on toward this heavenly prize as Christ has made him his own.
Knowing the risen and exalted Christ was Paul’s supreme goal in life. He desired to participate in Christ’s sufferings and resurrection power. Our lives today should be shaped by this same overriding purpose to truly know Christ and to live in light of his death and resurrection.
Colossians 3:1-4 – Living in Christ
Since we have been raised with Christ, we are called to set our hearts and minds on the heavenly realities where Christ sits enthroned. Our lives are now hidden in him until the glorious day when Christ appears and we are revealed with him in glory.
As believers united with the resurrected Christ, we must adopt an eternal perspective and detach ourselves from the temporary values of this fallen world. Our primary identity is now in Christ – we live to please him as we await his return for us. Our future is bound up in him and his Kingdom.
1 Peter 1:3-9 – A Living Hope
Peter exalts God for causing us to be born again to a living hope through Christ’s resurrection. Though we suffer grief in various trials, we have an incorruptible inheritance reserved for us in heaven. By God’s power, we have faith for this coming salvation ready to be revealed when Christ returns.
Jesus’ resurrection guarantees believers an unshakable hope beyond this life. No matter what difficulties we face, we can trust in God’s purposes and find joy because of the salvation Christ has obtained for us. His resurrection secures our eternal future.
The Easter season provides a wonderful opportunity to reflect on and celebrate the resurrection life we have through faith in Jesus Christ. As the early church devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship during this season (Acts 2:42), may we also grow together in God’s Word and our shared identity in the risen Lord. The passages explored above give us glimpses into the biblical foundations of our Easter faith and practice.