The Resurrection that Inspires Us

And returning from the tomb they told all these things to the eleven and to all the rest. Now it was Mary Magdalene and Joanna and Mary the mother of James and the other women with them who told these things to the apostles, but these words seemed to them an idle tale, and they did not believe them. But Peter rose and ran to the tomb; stooping and looking in, he saw the linen cloths by themselves; and he went home marveling at what had happened (Luke 24:9-12).

The women that so humbly loved and served the Lord by seeking to care for His body returned from the tomb with an astonishing report. They shared the words of the angels that met them at the empty tomb… “He is not here, but has risen” (Luke 24:6). The Spirit inspired Luke to record three different reactions to the report of Christ’s resurrection, and each response is filled with encouraging truth for disciples in every age about the resurrection that inspires us.

To some, the resurrection is impossible. Even the apostles, who witnessed His miracles and heard His promise considered the report of Christ’s resurrection to be an idle tale. For most, death is the end of life, but God’s Word is very clear about the certainty of life after physical death… “And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment” (Hebrews 9:27). Jesus gave His disciples a clear prediction of His resurrection… “The Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised” (Luke 9:22). The Holy Spirit inspired Paul to encourage us with the promise that true believers will follow Christ, and we all will die and be raised just like He was… “For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive. But each in his own order: Christ the firstfruits, then at his coming those who belong to Christ” (1 Corinthians 15:22-23). True disciples see life and death differently than others. We anticipate following our Lord and Savior through the door of death that opens to a glorious resurrection and eternal life with Him in heaven.

To some, the resurrection is inviting. While others stood still in unbelief, Peter was compelled by the report of the resurrection to get up and run to the tomb. There he saw the evidence that confirmed the women’s testimony. God’s grace was at work in Peter’s life, stirring up his interest and giving him eyes to see what others could not. The Holy Spirit inspired Isaiah to prophesy about this eye-opening grace… “In that day the deaf shall hear the words of a book, and out of their gloom and darkness the eyes of the blind shall see” (Isaiah 29:18). God’s grace has given all true disciples eyes to see Christ and His kingdom clearly, and this is encouraging evidence that we are truly born again…  “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God” (John 3:3). As we share His gospel, we encounter those in whom God’s grace is at work, inviting them to see and know the resurrected Christ.

To some, the resurrection is impressive. Peter examined the evidence that confirmed the women’s’ report and he “went home marveling at what had happened”. The Greek word for marveling here means to admire or to hold in wonder. Have you ever beheld something that was beyond your understanding, yet compelled your admiration and wonder? That’s how we should behold the truth that God humbled Himself to death and rose again that we might live… “And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross” (Philippians 2:8). One day, every living creature will be overwhelmed with wonder and admiration, and all will be compelled to verbally marvel at Jesus Christ the risen and reigning Lord… “At the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (Philippians 2:10-11). As our faith grows, the resurrection is more marvelous, and we become a stronger reflection of the resurrected Savior that we love and serve.

As we grow up into Christ, we are empowered and prepared for our transition to eternity by…

The Resurrection that Inspires Us.