The Devil and demons of hell thought He was gone for good, but on Sunday morning the supernatural life in Jesus burst forth! He rose Himself from the dead! - Clint Decker
It was Friday morning in Jerusalem, the Day of Preparation for the Sabbath on Saturday. As the sun rose and people began their normal routine, something in the air felt different. Yes, there was the usual morning light, but dark clouds were slowly moving in, not rain clouds, but ones of a different sort. There was something ominous about it all. (Image by Arnie Bragg from Pixabay)
The whole city was stirred up by one man. He was arrested by authorities the night before and taken back and forth between Jewish and Roman officials. Before the council, the high priest tore his robes in judgement against the man saying, “He has uttered blasphemy. What further witnesses do we need? You have now heard his blasphemy. What is your judgment?” They answered, “He deserves death.” (Matthew 26:65-66) He was sentenced to death by crucifixion claiming to be the Son of God. He was Jesus of Nazareth.
Jesus was indeed the Son of God, and His death on Good Friday, nearly 2,000 years ago, had a purpose. Jesus explained this during the Passover meal with His disciples the night before, And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, saying, “Drink of it, all of you, for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.” (Matthew 26:27-28)
His death was to be a sacrifice for the sins of all humanity – past, present and future. He would pay their penalty of death for them. Why? So they might be forgiven for all their evil deeds and be restored to a relationship with their Creator.
After His death, Jesus’ lifeless body hung on the cross before it was taken down and laid in a tomb. Darkness enveloped Jerusalem. It was finished. Jesus paid the wages of death for the sin of all humanity.
But there is more.
After Jesus’ died, a battle waged in an invisible realm. Jesus said, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live…” (John 11:25) Within Jesus, the Son of God, lay the supernatural power of life. It was shown when he spoke into Lazarus’ grave, who had been dead for four days, “[Jesus] cried out with a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out.” (Jn. 11:43) Another time, there was a 12-year-old girl, who had been dead for hours when Jesus came to her. Then witnesses recounted “…taking her by the hand he called, saying, “Child, arise.” And her spirit returned, and she got up at once.” (Luke 8:54-55) And a similar event occurred when Jesus approached a funeral procession carrying the dead body of a young man. Jesus spoke and he came to life.
How can Jesus’ raise people from the dead? Not because He is a miracle worker, but because He is the source of all life. “All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” (Jn. 1:3-5)
When Jesus lay dead in the tomb for three days, within Him was still that source of divine life. The Devil and demons of hell and all of Jesus’ enemies thought He was gone for good, but on Sunday morning the supernatural life in Jesus burst forth! He rose Himself from the dead! Jesus’ said about His life, “No one takes it from me but I…have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it up again.” (Jn. 10:18)
He was able to live again, because of the supernatural life within Him. His life and light overcame sin, death and darkness. And because He did, He now offers that same supernatural life to you! Turn from your sin. Turn to the living Christ and receive His gift of life!
A prayer for you – Lord God, I pray you will bring people to believe in your beloved Son and receive His gift of life. May they be born again into a new and living hope through the work of your life-giving Spirit. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
The whole city was stirred up by one man. He was arrested by authorities the night before and taken back and forth between Jewish and Roman officials. Before the council, the high priest tore his robes in judgement against the man saying, “He has uttered blasphemy. What further witnesses do we need? You have now heard his blasphemy. What is your judgment?” They answered, “He deserves death.” (Matthew 26:65-66) He was sentenced to death by crucifixion claiming to be the Son of God. He was Jesus of Nazareth.
Jesus was indeed the Son of God, and His death on Good Friday, nearly 2,000 years ago, had a purpose. Jesus explained this during the Passover meal with His disciples the night before, And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, saying, “Drink of it, all of you, for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.” (Matthew 26:27-28)
His death was to be a sacrifice for the sins of all humanity – past, present and future. He would pay their penalty of death for them. Why? So they might be forgiven for all their evil deeds and be restored to a relationship with their Creator.
After His death, Jesus’ lifeless body hung on the cross before it was taken down and laid in a tomb. Darkness enveloped Jerusalem. It was finished. Jesus paid the wages of death for the sin of all humanity.
But there is more.
After Jesus’ died, a battle waged in an invisible realm. Jesus said, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live…” (John 11:25) Within Jesus, the Son of God, lay the supernatural power of life. It was shown when he spoke into Lazarus’ grave, who had been dead for four days, “[Jesus] cried out with a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out.” (Jn. 11:43) Another time, there was a 12-year-old girl, who had been dead for hours when Jesus came to her. Then witnesses recounted “…taking her by the hand he called, saying, “Child, arise.” And her spirit returned, and she got up at once.” (Luke 8:54-55) And a similar event occurred when Jesus approached a funeral procession carrying the dead body of a young man. Jesus spoke and he came to life.
How can Jesus’ raise people from the dead? Not because He is a miracle worker, but because He is the source of all life. “All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” (Jn. 1:3-5)
When Jesus lay dead in the tomb for three days, within Him was still that source of divine life. The Devil and demons of hell and all of Jesus’ enemies thought He was gone for good, but on Sunday morning the supernatural life in Jesus burst forth! He rose Himself from the dead! Jesus’ said about His life, “No one takes it from me but I…have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it up again.” (Jn. 10:18)
He was able to live again, because of the supernatural life within Him. His life and light overcame sin, death and darkness. And because He did, He now offers that same supernatural life to you! Turn from your sin. Turn to the living Christ and receive His gift of life!
A prayer for you – Lord God, I pray you will bring people to believe in your beloved Son and receive His gift of life. May they be born again into a new and living hope through the work of your life-giving Spirit. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
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