He is Risen

The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the foundation upon which Christianity stands, signifying the ultimate triumph of life over death, light over darkness, and hope over despair. One of the most profound declarations of this event is found in the Gospel of Matthew 28:6-7, where the angel says to the women at the empty tomb: “He is not here: for He is risen, as He said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. And go quickly, and tell His disciples that He is risen from the dead; and behold, He goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see Him: lo, I have told you.” This passage encapsulates the monumental moment in Christian history when the prophecy of the Messiah's resurrection was fulfilled.

The Context of the Resurrection

To fully appreciate the significance of this event, it's important to understand the context in which it occurred. Jesus had been crucified just days earlier, an agonizing and public death witnessed by many. His disciples were in despair, scattered, and grieving. To them, it seemed as though the promise of the Kingdom of God had been shattered. The events of His crucifixion left a profound sense of loss, as the One they believed to be the Son of God had been crucified like a common criminal.

Jewish leaders and Roman authorities alike thought that the crucifixion would be the end of Jesus' following. They feared the possibility of His followers stealing His body and claiming a resurrection, so they placed a heavy stone at the entrance of His tomb and stationed guards to prevent any tampering.

However, the narrative takes a dramatic turn when, on the third day after His death, women who had followed Jesus throughout His ministry came to the tomb to anoint His body. Instead of finding Jesus, they encountered an angel of the Lord with a message that changed the course of history.

"He is Not Here: For He is Risen"

The words of the angel in Matthew 28:6 are simple, yet they carry immense theological and existential weight. “He is not here: for He is risen, as He said.” This statement fulfills the prophecy Jesus made during His ministry that He would rise from the dead on the third day (Matthew 16:21, 17:23, 20:19). The women are called to witness the empty tomb, a testament that death had no final hold on Christ. It confirms the divinity of Jesus and the truth of His teachings, affirming that He was indeed the Son of God.

For the disciples and early Christians, the empty tomb and the words of the angel served as both a sign and a promise. Jesus had not merely conquered physical death; He had achieved spiritual victory over sin and evil. His resurrection was not just an isolated event but a foreshadowing of the hope that all believers would be raised to eternal life.

"Come, See the Place Where the Lord Lay"

The angelic invitation to "Come, see the place where the Lord lay" underscores the reality of the resurrection. The women were invited to examine the evidence of Jesus' absence, solidifying the truth of the event. This phrase illustrates a divine call to witness, observe, and believe.

It is significant that women were the first witnesses to the resurrection, especially considering the cultural context of the time when women’s testimonies were not held in high regard. Yet, in God’s divine plan, these women became the first evangelists, sharing the good news of the risen Christ. Their testimony reflects the inclusive nature of Jesus' ministry and the equal value He placed on all His followers, regardless of gender.

"Go Quickly and Tell His Disciples"

The angel's command to "Go quickly and tell His disciples" highlights the urgency and importance of sharing the message of the resurrection. It was not a message to be kept secret but to be spread with speed and excitement. The resurrection of Jesus was not just for His disciples but for all of humanity, a message of hope and redemption.

The directive to go and tell shows the transforming power of the resurrection. The disciples, who were previously fearful and scattered, were about to become bold witnesses of the risen Lord. The resurrection would turn their despair into joy, their fear into faith, and their confusion into clarity. This transformation in the lives of the disciples is one of the most powerful evidences of the resurrection’s truth. They went from hiding in fear to boldly proclaiming the gospel, even at the cost of their own lives.

"Behold, He Goeth Before You Into Galilee"

The promise that Jesus would go before His disciples into Galilee is rich in symbolism. Galilee was the place where Jesus began His ministry, where He first called His disciples and performed many miracles. By returning to Galilee, Jesus was inviting His disciples to come full circle, to return to the place where their journey with Him began.

This also serves as a promise of presence. Jesus would not abandon His followers; instead, He would meet them in Galilee, and by extension, meet them in every aspect of their lives moving forward. It speaks to the continuing relationship between Jesus and His followers, even after His resurrection and eventual ascension. He is the risen Lord who goes before His people, guiding and leading them.

The Significance of the Resurrection

The resurrection is the cornerstone of Christian faith. Without it, the crucifixion would have been a tragic end to a remarkable life, but with it, the crucifixion becomes the means by which death is conquered and sin is forgiven. As Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 15:14, “And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain.” The resurrection proves Jesus’ divinity and vindicates His claims to be the Son of God, the Messiah.

Moreover, the resurrection is a source of hope for all believers. It demonstrates that death does not have the final word and that eternal life is promised to those who follow Christ. It confirms the power of God to bring life from death, and it assures believers that their faith is not in vain.

The resurrection also serves as a call to action. Just as the women were called to go and tell the disciples, believers are called to share the good news of the risen Christ with the world. It is a message that brings hope, transforms lives, and offers eternal life.

Conclusion: Living in the Power of the Resurrection

“He is not here: for He is risen.” These words echo through the centuries, reminding believers of the victory of Christ over death and the hope of eternal life. The resurrection is not just a historical event but a living reality for Christians today. It empowers them to live with hope, to face trials with faith, and to share the good news of Jesus with a world in need of redemption.

As believers reflect on the angel’s message and the empty tomb, they are invited to participate in the resurrection life—living in the power of Christ’s victory, proclaiming His truth, and anticipating the day when they, too, will be raised to new life with Him. The resurrection is not only the foundation of Christian faith but the key to Christian living, offering a profound promise that death has been defeated, and life everlasting is available to all who believe.