Christ is risen! Happy Easter!
As spring awakens the earth with blooming flowers and radiant sunshine, we gather to celebrate the cornerstone of our faith: the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Easter is more than a season—it’s the triumphant celebration of God’s declaration of love. This day, Resurrection Day, is a testament to His victory over sin and death. It’s an invitation to live in the light of His grace.
The empty tomb is not only a historical event—it’s the cornerstone of our hope and the proof of God’s victory over sin and death. The resurrection is the declaration that Jesus is unique when compared with human-made gods.
Today, as we immerse ourselves in the Gospel accounts of the resurrection, we see a Savior who is not a distant deity or a mythical figure. He’s not a human-created god; Christ is the living Son of God, fully divine and fully human. He walks with us today, conquering the grave, and offering us eternal life.
Let’s take a look at the resurrection through the Gospel accounts and reflect on why Jesus Christ stands alone as the one true God.
The Gospel Witness
The four Gospels—Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John—each offer a unique perspective on the resurrection. Yet together they weave a harmonious testimony of Christ’s triumph. In Matthew 28, we witness the angel’s proclamation to Mary Magdalene and the other Mary: “he is not here; he has risen, just as he said.” (Matthew 28:6). The earth quakes, the stone stone rolls away, and the guard tremble with fear as they’re overwhelmed by the power of God. This vivid scene underscores the divine authority of Jesus, whose resurrection shakes the very foundations of the world.
Mark’s account (Mark 16) captures the awe and wonder of the women as they encounter the young man in white who announces Christ’s victory. His command to “go, tell his disciples and Peter” (Mark 16:7) highlights Jesus’ grace, even for those who faltered, like Peter.
Luke 24 adds the tender moment on the road to Emmaus, where the risen Jesus walks with two disciples, revealing Himself through Scripture and the breaking of bread. Their hearts burn within them (Luke 24:32), a reminder that Christ meets us and opens our eyes to His truth.
John’s Gospel offers an intimate glimpse of the resurrection in John 20, where Mary Magdalene mistakes Jesus for the gardener, until He calls her by name. (John 20:16). This personal encounter reveals a Savior who knows us individually. He transforms Mary’s grief into joy with the saying of her name! Later, Jesus appears to the disciples, breathing the Holy Spirit upon them (John 20:22).
Together, these accounts paint a vivid picture: the resurrection is not a legend but a historical reality, attested by eyewitnesses whose lives were forever changed.
As you read these accounts in the Bible, what comes to mind? As I read them, I’m overcome by my Lord, my God, who knows me personally by name. He rose from the dead to offer me life. Jesus lived, died, and rose from the dead for each of us. He knows each of us by name! There is no other religion that can make this claim. No other religion has a living God who knows each of us personally and loves us this much.
These Gospel narratives invite us to step into the story, to marvel at the empty tomb, and to proclaim with the early church, “He is risen indeed!”
Jesus: Unlike Any Other God
The resurrection sets Jesus Christ apart from every other god in human history. Unlike the deities of ancient mythologies or other religious traditions, Jesus is not a distant figure confined to temples or stories. He is not a capricious god who uses humans at his own whim. Jesus Christ is the incarnate Word of God, who “became flesh and made His dwelling among us” (John 1:14). So, how does Jesus’ uniqueness shine through the resurrection, and why is He alone worthy of our worship?
First, Jesus is the only God who entered history as a man, lived a sinless life, and willingly laid down His life to redeem humanity. The gods of ancient pantheons, such as Zeus, Odin, or Osiris, were often depicted as capricious, detached, or bound by fate. In contrast, Jesus, as Philippians 2:6-8 describes, “humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross.” His sacrifice was not a myth but a historical event, verified by Roman and Jewish records. Christ’s life, death, and resurrection transformed the lives of His followers in ways no other god has or ever will—for He is the living God.
Second, the resurrection proves Jesus’ divinity in a way no other god can claim. Many religions speak of gods who die, like Osiris in Egyptian mythology. But not a God-man who returns to life in bodily form, appearing to hundreds (1 Corinthians 15:6), who eats with their disciples (Luke 24:42-43). The resurrection is not a metaphor or a spiritual vision—it’s a physical reality, affirming Jesus’ power over death. As Paul declares, “If Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith…” (1 Corinthians 15:14). The empty tomb and Jesus physically appearing to His followers are the bedrock of Christianity, unmatched by any other faith.
Third, Jesus’ resurrection guarantees our future hopes. While other gods may offer vague afterlife promises, Jesus assures us, “Because I live, you also will live” (John 14:19b). His victory over death is our victory, securing eternal life for all who believe.
No other so-called god has walked out of the grave, eaten fish with friends, or ascended to God the Father to prepare a place for us (John 14:2) in heaven. These facts transform how we live today, filling us with the courage to face trials and share His love.
Living the Resurrection Today
The Gospel accounts and Jesus’ uniqueness call us to live differently. The resurrection is not just a past event—it’s a present reality that shapes our faith. As Peter writes, we have a “living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead” (1 Peter 1:3). This Easter, let’s respond by deepening our trust in Him. Spend time in the Gospels, letting the resurrection stories renew your awe.
One way to live out this truth is through worship and prayer. This Easter, we can pray Psalm 16:11: “You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence.” These words remind us that Jesus, the risen Lord, is our guide and joy. We can thank Him for the empty tomb and ask for boldness to share His love with others.
A Call to Rejoice
As we celebrate Easter, let’s lift our hearts in praise for the One who conquered death and stands as our Lord. Whether you’re singing “Christ the Lord is Risen Today,” hiding eggs for your kids, or breaking bread with loved ones, may the truth of the resurrection fill you with all joy and love.
Thank you for being a part of the faith-filled community on this blog. May this Easter draw you closer to our risen Savior, who knows you by name, and reigns forever.
He is risen indeed! Hallelujah!
God bless,
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