The death and resurrection of Christ are central to Christianity. Christ died for the sins of the world. Joseph of Arimathea, a member of the Sanhedrin asked Pilot the body of Jesus. He was a devout and brave follower of Jesus. He and Nicodemus, who met Jesus at night, hurried to the cross and tenderly removed the body of Jesus. Nicodemus brought about hundred pounds of myrrh and aloes for the burial of Jesus' body. This was equal to the spices fit for the burial of royalty. They carefully wrapped Jesus' body in long strips of cloth mixed in the spices and placed the body in the new tomb that belonged to Joseph of Arimathea. Thus the prophecy of Isaiah 53:9 was fulfilled in the burial of Jesus' body.Several women observed this process and knew, where Jesus' body was laid(Lk 23:55).
John's Gospel chapter twenty gives the account of Jesus' resurrection, His appearance to Mary Magdalene,
His ten disciples and to Thomas. Also it reveals the purpose of this gospel. The resurrection of Jesus is the essential part of the gospel message. Men have tried to honor their heroes by erecting monuments such as pyramids and Tajmahal for the dead. But the tomb of Jesus remains empty There is nothing comparative to this historical fact. Only Christian faith affirms life, hope and immortality. The resurrection of Jesus was the climax and conclusion of the gospel narrative. It is the crowning miracle of all miracles. The empty tomb was the theme of the early Church. It is the proof that Jesus is the Son of God(Rom 1:4). Christianity stands or falls on the doctrine of resurrection of Jesus Christ. It has the transforming power to change lives. The tearful Mary Magdalene became the joyful witness of Christ. Fearful disciples became the bold preachers of the Gospel. Doubting Thomas became the confident follower.
The original witnesses of resurrection were women(Mk 16:1). Early morning Mary Magdalene went to the tomb with spices to anoint the body of Christ. She was wondering that who would remove the stone at the entrance of the tomb.But nothing could stop her from going to the tomb.There is no fear in love. Perfect love drives out fear(1 John 4: 18). Mary found that the body is missing. She run to tell the news to Peter and John. . They entered the tomb, and saw that the body is missing, but was not sure about resurrection(20:9).
Mary returned to the tomb after Peter and John left. Jesus revealed Himself to her.She was told to go and tell the good news to other disciples. This command given to Mary is given to all of us. Then Jesus appeared to all disciples (except Thomas) and gave them the great commission."As my father has sent me, even so I send you". Only God can forgive sin. But God gave them the authority to proclaim the gospel that include the forgiveness of sin.Jesus also appeared to Thomas and shown him the nail prints of His hands. Thomas immediately acknowledged Jesus' Lordship. His doubt has turned to assurance.Jesus told Thomas that "blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed. What a merciful Savior! Seeing is not believing. Facts are good but faith is better. Those who does not believe, often get stuck in their prideful doubt.
This chapter ends with the purpose of this gospel. The greatest sign found in the gospel is the sign of the resurrection.The empty tomb of Jesus was not hard to prove. If there was a body in the tomb, it was impossible for the resurrection story to survive. Jews substantiated the fact that tomb was empty because they said disciples have stolen the body of Christ. It was suicidal for disciples to steal the body. where they could hide it?Why they should be killed for it? Women were the first witnesses of this empty tomb. At that time women did not have any voice in that society and were to allowed to bear testimony in a court of law. Jesus is alive. It is relevant because it answers questions about our past, present and future. There is forgiveness of sin in Him. Our future is secured because He lives. Jesus gives reason for living. Nobody can be neutral to this truth. This Gospel is written so that we may understand the urgency of our choice and believe Christ be saved. Do you know this great Savior? Believe Christ and be saved.
John's Gospel chapter twenty gives the account of Jesus' resurrection, His appearance to Mary Magdalene,
His ten disciples and to Thomas. Also it reveals the purpose of this gospel. The resurrection of Jesus is the essential part of the gospel message. Men have tried to honor their heroes by erecting monuments such as pyramids and Tajmahal for the dead. But the tomb of Jesus remains empty There is nothing comparative to this historical fact. Only Christian faith affirms life, hope and immortality. The resurrection of Jesus was the climax and conclusion of the gospel narrative. It is the crowning miracle of all miracles. The empty tomb was the theme of the early Church. It is the proof that Jesus is the Son of God(Rom 1:4). Christianity stands or falls on the doctrine of resurrection of Jesus Christ. It has the transforming power to change lives. The tearful Mary Magdalene became the joyful witness of Christ. Fearful disciples became the bold preachers of the Gospel. Doubting Thomas became the confident follower.
The original witnesses of resurrection were women(Mk 16:1). Early morning Mary Magdalene went to the tomb with spices to anoint the body of Christ. She was wondering that who would remove the stone at the entrance of the tomb.But nothing could stop her from going to the tomb.There is no fear in love. Perfect love drives out fear(1 John 4: 18). Mary found that the body is missing. She run to tell the news to Peter and John. . They entered the tomb, and saw that the body is missing, but was not sure about resurrection(20:9).
Mary returned to the tomb after Peter and John left. Jesus revealed Himself to her.She was told to go and tell the good news to other disciples. This command given to Mary is given to all of us. Then Jesus appeared to all disciples (except Thomas) and gave them the great commission."As my father has sent me, even so I send you". Only God can forgive sin. But God gave them the authority to proclaim the gospel that include the forgiveness of sin.Jesus also appeared to Thomas and shown him the nail prints of His hands. Thomas immediately acknowledged Jesus' Lordship. His doubt has turned to assurance.Jesus told Thomas that "blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed. What a merciful Savior! Seeing is not believing. Facts are good but faith is better. Those who does not believe, often get stuck in their prideful doubt.
This chapter ends with the purpose of this gospel. The greatest sign found in the gospel is the sign of the resurrection.The empty tomb of Jesus was not hard to prove. If there was a body in the tomb, it was impossible for the resurrection story to survive. Jews substantiated the fact that tomb was empty because they said disciples have stolen the body of Christ. It was suicidal for disciples to steal the body. where they could hide it?Why they should be killed for it? Women were the first witnesses of this empty tomb. At that time women did not have any voice in that society and were to allowed to bear testimony in a court of law. Jesus is alive. It is relevant because it answers questions about our past, present and future. There is forgiveness of sin in Him. Our future is secured because He lives. Jesus gives reason for living. Nobody can be neutral to this truth. This Gospel is written so that we may understand the urgency of our choice and believe Christ be saved. Do you know this great Savior? Believe Christ and be saved.
