“Saying, The Son of man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again” (Luke 24:7).
TEXT — Luke 24:1-13
Message
While there are around 10,000 distinct religions in the world, from available records, only four of them are based on personalities rather than mere philosophical propositions. Of the four that are based on personalities rather than philosophies, only Christianity claims an empty tomb for its founder. Leaders of all these religions based on personalities died many years ago, and no one has heard anything from them since then. Jesus died but returned to life, appearing to more than 500 people over 40 days. This is what makes the difference. And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching and faith are useless (1 Corinthians 15:14).
From our text, Mary Magdalene, in the company of other women, came early to the tomb of Jesus Christ on the resurrection morning, only to find it empty. What has happened to the body of our Lord? Troubled and perplexed by this discovery, they encountered two angels in shining garments who confirmed the good news! He said to His disciples on many occasions: “The Son of man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again” (Luke 24:7).
Those who contest the resurrection story of Christ are either wilfully ignorant or do not create time to read the word of God to find out the truth themselves but rely on what people say or teach, which does not correspond with the uniform teaching of the word of God. The Berean Christians were commended for their nobility more than those of Thessalonica were because they searched the Scriptures daily to find the truth. Other infallible proofs, both in science and history, confirm the resurrection event. However, we do not need science to confirm the word of God. It is established and sure forever.
The resurrection of Christ is the hub of the Christian faith. Without the crucifixion, burial, and resurrection of Christ, there is no forgiveness of sin, no Christianity, no salvation, and no hope for the resurrection of the dead. But thanks be to God, He rose on the third day to give hope to humanity that we shall have life after death and live in an eternity of bliss in heaven.
Thought for the day
Christ’s resurrection is the final word on the matters of life, death, and hope.
Listed among “500 most powerful people on the planet” by the Foreign Policy magazine in 2013, Pastor (Dr.) William F. Kumuyi is the founder and General Superintendent of the Deeper Christian Life Ministry (DCLM) headquartered in Lagos, Nigeria. DCLM started in 1973 as a 15-member Bible study group right in Kumuyi’s apartment at University of Lagos where he was a lecturer. His revolutionary Bible teaching on personal holiness and commitment to evangelism soon gained so much traction and resulted in a widespread revival.
very powerful