HE IS NOT HERE; HE HAS RISEN!
Art Fahy
Answer Columnist

The night Jesus was arrested, his disciples scattered.  They feared for their lives.  John was the only disciple at the crucifixion.  His closest followers were trembling behind closed doors. 

The third day after Jesus’ death Mary Magdalene and some other women went to Jesus’ tomb.  The tomb was empty except for an angel.  I cannot imagine the thoughts that went through their minds.  Fear, confusion, and anger must have run through every fiber of their being. 

These thoughts and feelings cleared when the angel stated he is not here; he has risen!  Then they recalled Jesus’ words. During his ministry, Jesus spoke of his resurrection.  In the Old Testament, Isaiah 26:19, Psalm 17:15 and Daniel 12:2 tell of the resurrection.  Jesus kept his promise that he would rise after three days.

Since Jesus kept this promise, he will keep all his promises.  Jesus overcame death and we will overcome death.  Our destiny is spending eternity with God.  The same power that raised Christ from the dead is available to all of us.  That power will raise us up spiritually.  It will transform an ordinary life into an extraordinary life.    

Jesus had work to do after his resurrection.  For the next forty days, he appeared to his disciples, even a crowd up to five hundred people, and other followers.

After the disciples saw Jesus and heard him speak, they transformed from fear to boldness and courage.  Their teaching focused on the resurrection of Christ.  Acts 4:33 states with great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus and much grace was upon them.

These witnesses not only saw but also knew the truth.  These followers would not die for a lie.  They were willing to put their life on the line for a resurrected Jesus.

What is Christianity without the resurrection?  The resurrection of Christ is the foundation of our faith.  If there is no resurrection, there is no Christian faith.  The resurrection proves beyond a doubt that Jesus is alive.  He is not a myth, an imposter or an idea but real.  Jesus is ruling his kingdom our future home.  The resurrection of Jesus is the basis for the church’s witness to the world and more importantly, it truly establishes Jesus as the Son of God.

Death is not the end-there is a future.