By Alan Dean,
Retired pastor
Easter, though it varies year by year, is the high day in the Christian world. Christ proved He had gained the victory over Satan when He arose from the grave. All heaven rejoiced as Jesus ascended briefly to receive the approval from the Father that His work was sufficient to save the human race. (John 20:17)
When Jesus said from the cross “It is finished” (John 19:30), it meant that His battle with Satan was over. He had been tempted in all points as we are, yet He sinned not. (Hebrews 4:15) Satan could no longer claim to be the prince of this world. Christ had been victorious over him. And He wants to make us victors as well.
Jesus arose Sunday morning, appearing first to Mary Magdalene who shared the good news with the disciples. However, they did not believe Mary’s report. (Mark 16:11) Neither did they believe the two men who had met Jesus on the road to Emmaus. It required Jesus appearing Himself shortly after before they would believe. Jesus rebuked them for their unbelief. (Mark 16:12-14)
We remember Thomas, who was absent at Jesus’ first appearing, saying he wouldn’t believe any of them unless he could feel Jesus’ hands with the nail prints and his pierced side. Jesus did just that for Thomas, but He rebuked him as well for his unbelief. (John 20:20)
Jesus had told the disciples various times of His future death and resurrection. They had no excuse for their unbelief. But they were clinging to the hope that Jesus would be the king to raise Israel to worldly power again. “Death” and “resurrection” were not part of the disciple’s vocabulary.
How often do we pass up truth because of preconceived opinions? We today often pick and choose what we believe about Jesus and His Word as well. But the Bible says all Scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable for us. (2 Timothy 3:16)
David says in Psalms 119:105 “Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.” The Bible can give us guidance, comfort, and hope for today too. The story of the death and resurrection of Jesus is the center piece of all its wonderful news.
Salvation requires faith in God and faith in miracles such as the resurrection. We serve an awesome, loving God who wants to save everyone. However, we need to trust God and His Word. Let’s choose to read it and believe it.
