Resurrection Sunday
Today is Resurrection Sunday, the day Jesus rose from the dead. And that's what I want to talk about. I know some of you aren't Christian, but I ask that you at least listen. Let's get started.
First off, I know rising from the dead may seem impossible. But with God all things are possible. Jesus even brought Lazarus back to life (John 11:1-44).
Like with my Holy Week and Good Friday blogs (which you should go read before you read this one), I'm not a pastor, so don't expect this to be pretty. Feel free to comment with any questions, feedback, suggestions, or corrections!
The Guard
Pilate (technically it was the chief priests and Pharisees) put a guard by the tomb to make sure none of Jesus's disciples took his body and lied about him coming back to life.
The ESV Bible, in Matthew 27:62-66, reads:
The next day, that is, after the day of Preparation, the chief priests and the Pharisees gathered before Pilate and said, "Sir, we remember how that imposter said, while he was still alive, 'After three days I will rise.' Therefore order the tomb to be made secure until the third day, lest his disciples go and steal him away and tell the people, 'He has risen from the dead,' and the last fraud will be worst than the first." Pilate said to them, "You have a guard of soldiers. Go, make it as secure as you can." So they went and made the tomb secure by sealing the stone and setting a guard.
The full story can be found in:
• Matthew 27:62-66
The Resurrection of Jesus
Jesus arose the Sunday after his crucifixion. Many people didn't believe he actually came back to life.
The ESV Bible, in Matthew 28:1-10, reads:
Now after the Sabbath, toward the dawn of the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb. And behold, there was a great earthquake, for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and came and rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing white as snow. And for fear of him the guards trembled and became like dead men. But the angel said to the women, "Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here, for he has risen, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples that he has risen from the dead, and behold, he is going before you to Galilee; there you will see him. See, I have told you." So they departed quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to tell his disciples. And behold, Jesus met them and said, "Greetings!" And they came up and took hold of his feet and worshiped him. Then Jesus said to them, "Do not be afraid; go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee, and there they will see me."
The full story can be found in:
• Matthew 28:1-10
• Mark 16:1-11
• Luke 24:1-12
• John 20:1-18
Jesus's Instruction and Accession
After Jesus said hi to his disciples, he gave them instructions and then ascended into heaven.
The ESV Bible, in Matthew 28:16-20, reads:
Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. And when they saw him they worshipped him, but some doubted. And Jesus came and said to them, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and makes disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age."
The full story can be found in:
• Matthew 28:16-20
• Mark 16:12-20
• Luke 24:13-53
• John 20:19-21:25
Sources and Extra Information
Articles I used:
• https://www.crosswalk.com/special-coverage/easter/what-is-holy-week.html
• https://www.christianity.com/wiki/holidays/a-time-line-of-the-passion-week.html
The story of Holy Week can be found in 4 books of the Bible. You don't have to read all of them, but you get different things from each one.
• Matthew 21-28
• Mark 11-16
• Luke 19-24
• John 12-21
I used the English Standard Version (ESV) translation of the Bible for the above stories.
