Articles
The Resurrection Of Jesus Christ
The resurrection of Jesus Christ shattered expectations. The women who arrived at the tomb anticipated finding his lifeless body. Even his closest followers, the apostles, initially dismissed the reports of his resurrection as utter nonsense (Luke 24:11). No one seemed prepared for the very event Jesus had foretold. He had explicitly told his disciples, "The Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised" (Luke 9:22). He spoke of completing his work within three days (Luke 13:32) and informed the twelve that he would be killed, only to rise again on the third day (Luke 18:33). Why then were his disciples so perplexed and frightened by an event Jesus himself had predicted?
The answer unfolds on the road to Emmaus. Two disciples, grappling with the day's earth-shattering events, were walking towards the village of Emmaus. Jesus himself joined their walk, yet they were prevented from recognizing him. He inquired about their conversation, and they recounted the confusing events of the early morning. They were troubled and confused about what had taken place. Jesus rebuked them, saying, "O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken!" (Luke 24:25). The disciples struggled with belief. Later, as Jesus stood among all the disciples, he questioned them, "Why are you troubled, and why do doubts arise in your hearts?" (Luke 24:38). Luke notes that they still "disbelieved" (Luke 24:41). It was at this crucial moment that Jesus strengthened their faith, reminding them, "These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you, that everything written about me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled...thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead" (Luke 24:44-46). What was their reaction? More fear? More doubt? More disbelief? No. Luke records that they "worshiped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy, and were continually in the temple blessing God" (Luke 24:52-53). They finally understood.
What about us? Do we grasp the profound significance of that first day of the week, so long ago? Jesus spoke of more than just his own resurrection. He declared, "I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live" (John 11:25). Jesus poses the same question to us as he did to Martha: "Do you believe this?" What is our response? Doubt? Fear? Unbelief? Or are we filled with the same great joy, continually blessing God? Our answer reveals the depth of our understanding and the transformation his resurrection brings to our lives. May we respond with unwavering faith and overflowing joy.
