The Resurrection: Foundation of Our Faith

Matthew 27:57-28:15

As we reflect on the events surrounding Jesus' death and resurrection, we're struck by the pivotal nature of that first Easter morning. The resurrection of Christ is not just another miracle or historical event - it's the cornerstone of the Christian faith, the lynchpin that holds everything together.

Let's journey back through that fateful week in Jerusalem, tracing Jesus' steps from his triumphal entry to the empty tomb. On Palm Sunday, Jesus rode into the city as crowds cheered, welcoming him as the long-awaited Messiah. The next day, he cleansed the temple, overturning the tables of the money changers. On Tuesday, he cursed a fruitless fig tree - a powerful symbol of Israel's religious hypocrisy - and taught in the temple, facing challenges from religious leaders.

Wednesday found Jesus in nearby Bethany, where Mary anointed him with expensive perfume - a prophetic act pointing to his impending death and burial. On Thursday evening, Jesus shared the Last Supper with his disciples, instituting the practice we now call communion. Later that night, he prayed fervently in the Garden of Gethsemane before being betrayed and arrested.

Early Friday morning, Jesus endured a series of unjust trials before Jewish and Roman authorities. Though Pilate found no fault in him, the crowds demanded his crucifixion. Jesus was nailed to the cross at 9 am. For six agonizing hours, he hung there, bearing the weight of the world's sin. Darkness covered the land from noon to 3 pm, when Jesus cried out, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" and breathed his last.

But the story doesn't end there. In fact, it's only the beginning.

On Sunday morning, something unprecedented occurred - something that would change the course of human history. The massive stone sealing Jesus' tomb was rolled away, not so he could get out, but so others could see that he was already gone. The grave clothes were left behind, neatly folded - hardly the scene of a grave robbery. And most importantly, Jesus himself appeared, alive and well, to his followers.

Why is this event so crucial? The apostle Paul puts it bluntly: "If Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins" (1 Corinthians 15:17). The resurrection is God the Father's stamp of approval on Christ's sacrifice. It's the receipt, if you will, showing that the price for our sins has been paid in full.

But how can we be sure it really happened? The Gospel of Matthew provides some fascinating details that lend credibility to the resurrection account:

1. The burial was granted: Joseph of Arimathea, a wealthy and prominent disciple, obtained permission to bury Jesus' body. This fulfills the prophecy in Isaiah 53:9 that the Messiah would be assigned a grave with the rich. The disciples themselves buried Jesus - if they were planning to fake a resurrection, this would have been the perfect time to hide the body.

2. The body was guarded: The religious leaders, remembering Jesus' prediction that he would rise after three days, convinced Pilate to post a guard at the tomb. A contingent of Roman soldiers - likely 16 men - was stationed there, and an official seal was placed on the stone. Breaking this seal would have been punishable by death.

3. The bribe was given: When the soldiers reported what had happened - the earthquake, the angelic appearance, the empty tomb - the religious leaders bribed them to spread a lie. They were to say that the disciples stole the body while they slept. This cover-up attempt actually provides strong evidence for the resurrection. After all, you only need a lie to cover up the truth.

The reactions to the empty tomb are telling. The Roman guards, hardened soldiers, were so terrified they "became like dead men." The women who discovered it were filled with joy and worship. And the disciples, initially skeptical, became bold proclaimers of the risen Christ.

We're left with a choice: Do we believe that Jesus rose from the dead, or that his fearful disciples somehow overpowered a Roman guard, broke an official seal, and stole his body - all to promote a lie they would eventually die for?

If we accept the resurrection as true, it changes everything. It means that death has been defeated. It means that our sins can truly be forgiven. It means that we too can have the hope of eternal life.

The proper response to this incredible truth is to acknowledge Jesus as Lord, to turn from our sins, and to put our full faith in him. As Romans 10:9 declares, "If you declare with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved."

This Easter, let's not just celebrate a historical event. Let's embrace the living Christ, allowing the power of his resurrection to transform our lives. Because he lives, we can face tomorrow with hope. Because he lives, we can know that our labor in the Lord is not in vain. Because he lives, we can be assured that one day, we too will rise to eternal life.

The empty tomb is not the end of the story - it's the beginning of a new chapter in God's redemptive plan. And we're invited to be part of it. Will you accept the invitation?

As we close, take a moment to reflect. Have you put your full trust in the risen Christ? If not, why not do so today? Simply acknowledge your need for forgiveness, believe that Jesus died and rose again for you, and invite him to be the Lord of your life. It's a decision that will echo into eternity.

May the reality of the resurrection fill you with hope, joy, and purpose this Easter season and beyond.