Bible Reading: Luke 24:36-49
“Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures, and said to them, “Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead, and that repentance for the forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem” (Luke 24:45-47)
What do we celebrate when we celebrate the resurrection of Christ?
The resurrection of Christ points to the completion of His atoning work on the cross and is the confirmation of the life-giving truth there is in the cross. The symbol of Christianity is not an open grave. Instead, it is the cross. The cross is the focal point of our faith because, on the cross, Christ died as the slain Lamb for our sins so that we could be made right with God. As Jesus resurrected and appeared to His disciples, the power of Christ’s work on the cross is made evident.
As Jesus spoke to His disciples, He opened their eyes to the scriptures. This was the moment that Jesus’ disciples understood all that Jesus had done and the purpose He came to earth. It was at this moment that they were born again. They saw the truth for what it really was. This is the power of the cross! On the cross, Christ died for our sins so that we who were dead and lost in sin might be able to have life and light. Because Christ died on the cross, His disciples could now believe. Christ opened their minds to see the whole picture of God’s redemptive plan for all His people.
This is the good news of the gospel. On the cross, Christ died completely for the sins of His people. After three days, Christ arose from the dead, meaning He defeated death and conquered the power of evil. Because of what Christ did on the cross, there is a surety of salvation for you and me. God’s Spirit will indeed work in all of His children that they may come to life because Christ has already died for all God’s children.
Because of what Christ has done, we have the power to repent. This power is not of our own, but it is the power of the Holy Spirit who has come to dwell with us because Christ has justified us. In the Spirit, there is power for repentance, there is power for a turning from sin to righteousness, and there is a power to obey God and live life as His servant. On the cross, there is the power to know true joy and true satisfaction because there is a power to know God and worship Him. All these things were bought for us because of Christ’s sacrifice on the cross.
As Corinthians 1:24 says, “but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ [is] the power of God and the wisdom of God”. Our source of hope and radiance of life flows from the cross of Christ. Truly, all that we ever will need can be found in Him. Have we looked to Him? Have we desired to know Him?
Jesus arose from the dead to reveal and proclaim the power of the cross. He then charged His disciples to proclaim His gospel’s life-giving truth and redemptive work to all the nations. What is our message, and what is our hope this easter?
Lord, thank You for Your work on the cross. Thank You that from Your sacrifice on the cross, there is life for me. There is nothing I need in this world other than You. In Your cross, there is my hope, my joy, my glory. Thank You that my faith is grounded in the reality of Your dying and rising. Thank You that there are real power and hope in what You have done. Help me love You, know You, and make You known to the ends of the world. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Hans Sangtoki (18) is the coordinator of RE Generation Z. He has a passion for serving his generation and sharing hope in Christ. He also has an interest in classical music and dreams of conducting an orchestra one day.