THE MEANING OF JESUS' RESURRECTION

Psalm 1; 1 Corinthians 15:12-20; Luke 6:17-26

Introduction

Brothers and sisters in Christ, I humbly welcome you to today's reflections to celebrate the cornerstone of our faith, the event that separates Christianity from all other religions in the world, the foundation of our hope, and the significance of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. This isn't just a historical event we commemorate; it's a living truth that shapes our present and secures our future. The question before us isn't just did Jesus rise from the dead, but what does it mean that Jesus rose?

Our readings today offer us glimpses into the profound meaning of this important Christian heritage. Psalm 1 paints a picture of the blessed life rooted in God's word, bearing fruit in its season. We notice that this blessing, this flourishing, this prosperous living is only fully realized through the resurrection.

1 Corinthians 15 lays bare the stark reality: "If there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised." Paul’s words are stark and uncompromising. The resurrection is not an option for us, it is the very foundation upon which our faith stands.

In Luke 6, Jesus teaches about blessings and woes, a teaching that takes on its full weight and meaning in light of the resurrection's promise of ultimate justice and eternal life.

Let's delve deeper into the meaning of Jesus' resurrection:

1. The Resurrection is Proof of Jesus' Divinity

Jesus' resurrection is the ultimate validation of His claim to be the Son of God (John 19:7). Think about it: He claimed to be God incarnate (John 8:58), to have power over sin and death (Mat. 9:1-8). If He had simply died and remained dead, those claims would have been empty. But the resurrection is God's resounding "Yes!" to Jesus' claims. It is the divine seal of approval, confirming His identity and authority. It proves that He is who He said He was.

2. The Resurrection is Victory Over Sin and Death

Sin and death are the twin tyrants that have held humanity captive since the fall of man. They are the ultimate enemies, the forces that rob us of life and hope. But in the resurrection, Jesus conquered these enemies; "And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins." (1 Cor 15:17). He broke the chains of sin, offering us forgiveness and reconciliation with God (Rom. 5:11).

He triumphed over death, opening the way to eternal life, "But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep." (1 Cor 15:20). The resurrection is not just about Jesus’ survival; it’s about our liberation. It declares that death no longer has the final word, "“I will deliver this people from the power of the grave; I will redeem them from death. Where, O death, are your plagues? Where, O grave, is your destruction?" (Hosea 13:14).

3. The Resurrection is the Guarantee of Our Own Resurrection

This is clear, if Christ has been raised, then those who have died in Christ will surely rise again (1 Cor 15:20). The resurrection of Jesus is not a one-off event it's the firstfruits of a great harvest. This means, the beginning of other resurrections.

"If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied." (1 Cor 15:19). It's the promise that, just as Jesus was raised from the dead, so will we also be raised to a new life (Phil. 1:21). This is the hope that sustains us in times of sorrow and loss, the assurance that death is not the end but a gateway to eternal glory (1 Thess 4:16).

4. The Resurrection Empowers Us to Live New Lives

The resurrection is not just about what happens after we die; it's about how we live now. Knowing that death has been defeated, knowing that we have been forgiven, knowing that we have the hope of eternal life, empowers us to live differently.

The Psalmist says, "For the LORD watches over the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked leads to destruction." (Psalms 1:6). It frees us from the fear of death, the guilt of sin, and the emptiness of a life lived only for this world.

"What blessings await you when people hate you and exclude you and mock you and curse you as evil because you follow the Son of Man. When that happens, be happy! Yes, leap for joy! For a great reward awaits you in heaven. And remember, their ancestors treated the ancient prophets that same way."

(Luke 6:22-23).

It empowers us to live lives of love, joy, peace, and purpose, lives that reflect the resurrection power of Christ.

5. The Resurrection Calls Us to Share the Good News

"And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith."

(1 Cor 15:14).

The good news of the resurrection is too good to keep to ourselves. Just as the first disciples went out proclaiming the risen Christ, so too are we called to share this message with the world. We are called to be witnesses to the resurrection, to share the hope that we have found in Christ with those who are lost and hurting. We are called to live lives that demonstrate the transforming power of the resurrection, lives that point to the reality of God's love and grace.

Conclusion

The resurrection of Jesus is not just some teachings of the Church, it's a life-changing reality. It's the foundation of our faith, the source of our hope, and the power that enables us to live lives of purpose and meaning. Let us celebrate this glorious truth, not just today, but every day, by living lives that reflect the resurrection power of Jesus Christ. Amen.

Shalom aleikhem...