On the Third Day, He Rose!

“But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8).

Early on the third day, after Jesus’ Crucifixion, Mary Magdalene, and Jesus’ mother (Mary), went to the tomb to anoint the body of Jesus with spices they prepared. When they arrived, the stone was rolled away from the entrance, and Jesus’ body was gone! An angel of the Lord appeared to them saying that Jesus was alive. Mary, still distressed and uncertain of what was happening was approached by Him. He appeared to her and asked her why she was crying. Not realizing it was Jesus talking to her, but thinking He was a gardener, she said, “Sir, if you have carried Him away, tell me where you have put Him, and I will get Him’” (John 20:15). The moment Jesus spoke her name, “Mary”, she recognized Him! The women, then, hurried back to tell the disciples what had happened! Mary Magdalene exclaimed, “I have seen the Lord!” The men were still in disbelief; however, Peter ran to the tomb and found only strips of linen in the place where Jesus’ body had laid. Then, “He saw and believed!”

The next day Jesus appeared to two disciples walking in the country. Those disciples told the others about their encounter, but they did not believe them. Later, when the disciples were all together, secure behind locked doors, Jesus suddenly appeared among them and said, “Peace be with you.” He showed them His scarred hands and His pierced side. The disciples were ecstatic! He breathed on the group and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive anyone’s sins, they are forgiven. If you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven” (John 20:23). “Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone. Anyone who believes and is baptized will be saved” (Mark 16:15). After speaking with His disciples, Jesus led them to Bethany. He lifted His hands and blessed them. The disciples watched as He ascended into heaven while blessing them, and Jesus took His place at the right hand of the Father. “So, they worshiped Him and then returned to Jerusalem filled with great joy. And they spent all of their time in the Temple, praising God” (Luke 24:52-53).

Today we celebrate our risen Savior! HE LIVES! The grave could not contain Him. Acts 2:24 says, “But God released Him from the horrors of death and raised Him back to life, for death could not keep Him in its grip.” Jesus was victorious over death, proving His sovereignty, His power, and His everlasting love for us! His resurrection life is OURS in Him. NOTHING is impossible for God! Glory to His name!

Guiding Points:

Call to Action: Jesus continued to make Himself seen by others for 40 days following His resurrection. There is much substantiation proving this incredible, historical happening. Praise Jesus today for all He has done for us! Share this with everyone who needs to hear this good news!

“He is not here; He has risen, just as He said” (Matthew 28:6).

“Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in Me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in Me will never die. Do you believe this?'” (John 11:25-26).

“If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved” (Romans 10:9).

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to His great mercy, He has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you” (1 Peter 1:3-4).

“When I saw Him, I fell at His feet like a dead man. But He put His right hand on me and said, “Don’t be afraid. I’m the first and the last, and the living one. I was dead but look! Now I’m alive forever and always. I have the keys of Death and the Grave” (Revelation 1:17-18).

Prayer: Jesus, we thank You. You took our place and paid the price for our sins. You were buried for three days but walked right out of that grave! Because of Your sacrifice, we have eternal life by believing in You and following You as our Lord. We are transformed by Your blood that was shed for us. You save us and give us hope! Lead us to Your purpose for our lives. We praise You for it, Lord! In Your precious name, we pray, Amen!

Final Thought: We are the sons and daughters of the risen King!