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c) Jesus the Messiah’s Resurrection
True, Jesus died and was buried. Yet, in fact, His death marked the turning point in all of history, the beginning of a new era. Here is what happened:
“After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb. There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightening, and his clothes were white as snow. The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men. The angel said to the women, ‘Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples: ‘He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.’ Now I have told you.’ So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples. Suddenly Jesus met them. ‘Greetings,’ he said. They came to him, clasped his feet and worshiped him. Then Jesus said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me.’ ” (Matthew 28:1-10)
Yes, the death of Jesus on the cross marked the turning point in history, the beginning of a new era. For death met Jesus the Messiah, the Prince of Life and God’s living Word, upon that cross! Death took possession of Jesus but could not hold Him in its cold and permanent grasp! On Sunday, the third day after He died, He overcame death by rising from the dead! He had laid down His life to take it again (John 10:17), as He Himself had foretold. Through the Messiah’s death, God put death to death!
Now, picture the disciples after Jesus’ resurrection. The disciples of Jesus, dazed and broken hearted by Jesus’ death, became joyful and confident. They no longer hid behind closed doors, frightened by their enemies. Soon they courageously walked the streets, recounted Jesus’ wonderful teachings and deeds, proclaimed Him as their Messiah and their Saviour. They recalled how He had told them that the Messiah must suffer and die and rise from the dead. Those words, when He had first spoken them, sounded like nonsense. After His resurrection, those same words, too, came to life and took on wings. Bad Friday became Good Friday! Tragedy turned into blessing!