He Is Risen!
Jesus, Son of God
The Resurrection’s Importance
Resurrection Day stands as the pinnacle of the Christian calendar, undeniably one of the most significant days, if not the most significant, in human history. If the resurrection of Jesus Christ did not occur, then Christianity is nothing but a false and lifeless faith. Conversely, if Jesus did rise from the dead, it would solidify the claim that all other religions are misguided and without truth. It is that simple.
While many faiths acknowledge Jesus as a prophet, they often deny Him as the Son of God; some don’t recognize His significance at all. However, the evidence for His life and resurrection is not derived solely from Biblical texts; secular historical records support it. The Romans, known for their meticulous record-keeping and pagan beliefs, documented events that align remarkably with the Scriptural accounts. Archaeological discoveries around the Mediterranean Sea further affirm the truths reflected in both Roman and Biblical history, showcasing the unwavering validity of the resurrection narrative. No other belief system has faced such relentless scrutiny and attempts to reject its truth as Christianity has.
Today, we won’t delve into the intricate historical, literary, and archaeological evidence that validates Jesus as the Son of God. Instead, we celebrate Him as the Son of Man, because He Is Risen!
Yesterday was April 6, 2026, which brings to light a remarkable milestone—1,993 years since most scholars believe Jesus’ death on April 6, A.D. 33. For nearly two thousand years, skeptics—be they pagans, Jews, Muslims, or modern progressives—have sought to undermine Christ’s identity. Yet, with each attempt, the glory of Jesus grows ever brighter.
Consider researching the Shroud of Turin, which showcases the enduring impact of Jesus and reveals how God continually provides new evidence for our understanding and faith. In a world that often shouts, “trust the science,” where misrepresentation prevails, God employs genuine scientific inquiry to bring forth astonishing revelations from a 1,993-year-old linen cloth that astounds the world and helps prove the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
The Resurrection A.D. 33
1Now after the Sabbath, toward the dawn of the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb. 2And behold, there was a great earthquake, for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and came and rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing white as snow.
Matthew 28:1-3
An earthquake, a phenomenon corroborated by modern technology, shook the ground as an angel of the Lord descended from heaven to roll back the stone. Could this earthquake be linked to Jesus’s resurrection? The power of Christ rising from death shook the earth. We may never know for certain, but one thing is clear: the angel opened the tomb not to release Jesus but to allow the two Marys and the disciples inside. Without that stone rolled away, who would have known of His resurrection? The dramatic earthquake and the appearance of the heavenly angel served a vital purpose for the pagan guards, ensuring that even they could witness the divine event. The following verse recounts how those guards—who Pilate had approved at the request of the Pharisees—were so overwhelmed by fear that they fainted. These vivid details, meticulously documented in Scripture, played a crucial role in igniting the Christian Nation from the moment of Jesus’ resurrection to His eventual return.
‘4And for fear of him the guards trembled and became like dead men. 5But the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. 6He is not here, for he has risen, as he said. Come, see the place where he Some manuscripts the Lord lay. 7Then go quickly and tell his disciples that he has risen from the dead, and behold, he is going before you to Galilee; there you will see him. See, I have told you.” ‘
Matthew 28:4-7
Scripture vividly recounts how the angel of the Lord reassured Mary with the timeless words, “Do not be afraid.” This divine message was not just a greeting; it heralded the miraculous news of Jesus’ resurrection and tasked Mary with a significant mission — to share this incredible news with the disciples. Imagine her running, heart pounding with a mix of fear and excitement, eager to inform those closest to Jesus. In a beautiful display of divine intimacy, the risen Christ chose to reveal Himself first to Mary and the other Mary, affirming her vital role in this transformative moment.
It’s striking that Jesus appeared to women, knowing the societal norms of His time saw them as second-class. This choice carries profound significance and a powerful message: that all people are valued, regardless of societal standing. When Jesus instructs Mary not to be afraid again, it emphasizes His compassionate nature. As Mary worships Him, clinging to His feet, we can almost feel the weight of her emotions — all she had witnessed, believed, and hoped for was validated in that extraordinary moment. Then, in a stunning display of familial love, Jesus calls His followers His brothers, inviting us into a profoundly intimate relationship with Him. This statement should ignite a fire within us to honor and pursue Jesus with unwavering devotion. How humbling it is that the Creator of the universe calls us, His cherished creation, brothers and sisters!
Simultaneously, the dark figure of Lucifer, filled with arrogance after misleading humanity into betrayal and orchestrating Jesus’ execution, is now confronted with the devastating truth: Jesus is alive. The very love Mary experienced is the weight of dread that burdens Satan’s heart as he realizes his catastrophic error. The storm is approaching, and he scrambles, using deception to manipulate the elite into suppressing the truth. This incident serves as another testament to the reality of Christ’s resurrection, exposing the lies and bribery that protect such deception. In our lives, we too encounter choices between what is difficult yet right or what is easy yet wrong. The guards, bound by their pagan beliefs, succumbed to Satan’s influence.
Lucifer’s methods are destruction, deception, and distraction. He couldn’t allow the truth to emerge, for that would spell defeat in his relentless battle. The narrative that Jesus’ disciples stole His body at night not only questions the guards’ competence but also implies severe repercussions, as failure in the Roman army could lead to death. The elites’ willingness to offer protection to the guards speaks volumes about the lengths they would go to perpetuate this falsehood. Fortunately for us, Jesus is wiser, and He already set the plan in motion before He created anything or anyone. The chilling question emerges: why would the Jews go to such great lengths to spread lies? Jesus was a Jew. Why would their disbelief against Christ continue to this day? Embracing doubt in Christ places one in opposition to Him; to deny Him is to stand against the very essence of truth, it’s anti-Christ.
'15So they took the money and did as they were directed. And this story has been spread among the Jews to this day. '
Matthew 28:15
The Great Commission
'18And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”'
Matthew 28:18-20
The critical mission before Jesus’ return is a powerful reminder of why Satan is in turmoil. As Apostle Paul notes, Satan had seized control of the earth, manipulating the Pharisees, Scribes, and Sanhedrin to impose human laws that contradicted divine commandments. Then Jesus enters the fray, triumphing over death, and, as the Commander of God’s army, He entrusts His disciples with one final mission—one that continues to resonate today: to go forth and make disciples of Jesus Christ. This directive embraces all nations, transcending races, religions, and both genders. We are called to baptize them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit—the Triune God. Our responsibility is to teach and embody the teachings of Jesus. This calling is our source of courage, our unwavering strength, our spiritual armor; for Jesus has assured us, “And behold, I (Jesus) am with you always, to the end of the age.” Jesus is our steadfast partner, the one who will remain by our side when challenges arise, and others may forsake us. We must commit ourselves to live by a higher standard—His standard.