Yey, Jesus has risen! Umm, so what? What does Jesus’ resurrection mean? What’s special about an empty tomb? Of course, we know that it is a good, happy story in the Bible but really, what’s in it for us?
When I was still a child there are no TV programs – no cartoons, no movies, no reruns of teledramas, nothing during Holy Week. Especially during Fridays when the superstitious elderlies claim that “Jesus is dead” and as a form of respect, there should be minimal to no physical activities. I look forward to Easter Sunday because the TV stations will resume their regular programming, and we children can go back to our usual games. Speaking of TV programs, Matt Ranillo is the face of 90s Holy Week. He portrayed Jesus in several Jesus films.
During those times, there were “Senakulos”, a stageplay-like portrayal of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection. There were also “pabasa” where people flock in front of the altar as they sing portions from a book describing Jesus’ life. But what I remember most were the free sumptuous Arroz Caldo and orange juice. These are just some of the Holy Week traditions I grew up with when I was still not yet a Born Again believer.
But today, it seems Holy Week has become busier and commercialized. Gone are the days when there was total silence. Now it is just another long weekend on the calendar. Has it lost its essence for reflection and pause?
The Apostle Paul has this message to say:
“I passed on to you what was most important and what had also been passed on to me. Christ died for our sins, just as the Scriptures said. He was buried, and he was raised from the dead on the third day, just as the Scriptures said.”
1 Corinthians 15:3-4
Jesus’ death and resurrection are integral parts of the gospel. His death alone is not the whole story – His resurrection makes our salvation complete. Jesus’s resurrection isn’t just an episode in a beautiful salvation story.
Jesus’ death and resurrection are integral parts of the gospel. His death alone is not the whole story – His resurrection makes our salvation complete. Share on XHis resurrection rendered our faith with much value
“And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins. Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ are lost. If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied.”
1 Corinthians 15:17-19
Persecutions and trials follow our commitment to being a Christian, being associated with Jesus Christ. We find ourselves going against the tide of immorality, lack of integrity, and godlessness. Our stand against moral, social and political issues put us in ridicule. But what’s the point in all of these “sacrifices”? It’s because of Jesus’ resurrection.
The sufferings and pain we endure are deemed worthwhile because it is based on Jesus’ resurrection. His resurrection gives meaning to all our Christian activities, all our sacrifices for the church and the gospel. Our faith was given much value – it is not useless – because Jesus Christ has declared through His resurrection that He is indeed true to what He claims about Himself – that He is the promised Messiah.
His resurrection redeemed us from a life of sin
“We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.”
Romans 6:4
Sin and moral deprivation characterize our old way of living. We gratify the desires of the flesh. Yet when Jesus Christ was raised from the dead, He conquered sin, then He conquered death. He took away from us all things that might keep us entangled and withdrawn from pursuing a life of purpose. The only thing we need to do is to live by faith in obedience to Him.
His resurrection paved the way for us to forsake our old way of living. Our selfish sinful nature no longer masters us. We are now free to please the Lord and be led by the Spirit of God. This is new life – He does not just forgive us our sins but also gives us freedom from sin.
What Our selfish sinful nature no longer masters us. We are now free to please the Lord and be led by the Spirit of God. This is new life – He does not just forgive us our sins but also gives us freedom from sin. Share on XHis resurrection reminded us of His glorious promises
Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?”
John 11:25-27
“Yes, Lord,” she replied, “I believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, who is to come into the world.”
More than His promises of healing, of hope, of restoration – Jesus promised us with eternal life. Promises excite us, promises make us look toward the future with hope. Unfortunately, some people fail us with their promises. Some promises are just empty words. Not so with Jesus. His words are true. We know that because actions back up His promises. Jesus has a great track record!
Jesus’ resurrection reminds us that whatever He has promised, He will deliver. He proved it when He rose from the dead on the first Easter.
Jesus’ resurrection reminds us that whatever He has promised, He will deliver. He proved it when He rose from the dead on the first Easter. Share on XJesus has risen. So what?
Guess what? We have all the reasons in the world to rejoice!
“So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded.”
Hebrews 10:35
