The Resurrection Changes Everything

Now after the Sabbath, toward the dawn of the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb. And behold, there was a great earthquake, for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and came and rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing white as snow. And for fear of him the guards trembled and became like dead men. But the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here, for He has risen, as He said. Come, see the place where He lay. Then go quickly and tell His disciples that He has risen from the dead, and behold, He is going before you to Galilee; there you will see Him. See, I have told you.” So they departed quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to tell His disciples. And behold, Jesus met them and said, “Greetings!” And they came up and took hold of His feet and worshiped Him. Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid; go and tell My brothers to go to Galilee, and there they will see Me.”

While they were going, behold, some of the guard went into the city and told the chief priests all that had taken place. And when they had assembled with the elders and taken counsel, they gave a sufficient sum of money to the soldiers and said, “Tell people, ‘His disciples came by night and stole Him away while we were asleep.’ And if this comes to the governor’s ears, we will satisfy him and keep you out of trouble.” So they took the money and did as they were directed. And this story has been spread among the Jews to this day.

Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. And when they saw Him they worshiped Him, but some doubted. And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

Matthew 28:1-20

What is our reaction to the resurrection of Jesus? Well, if we are honest, many of us have grown numb to the reality of our risen Christ. Easter can quickly become more of a yearly reminder than a daily encouragement. Yes, our theology might assure us the tomb remains empty, but that doesn’t mean we won’t find ourselves dwelling too long in that same tomb. We, like the women in Matthew 28, may approach the tomb expecting Jesus, but in finding Him alive, we rarely leave running “with fear and great joy.” Rushing to tell others that our Savior is alive is not normally our first instinct.

However, in truth, “resurrection excitement” is our fuel for Christian living. Everything, from sanctification to evangelism, should flow from the fountain of the resurrection. Because Jesus is alive, we have union with an eternally interceding advocate. Because Jesus is alive, our hope for the future is not in stale rules or behavioral change, but in a true friend, walking and breathing in the presence of the Father.

The resurrection ought to lead us to mission. This is why, after His resurrection but before His ascension, Jesus empowers His followers with the words of Matthew 28:18-20. The Great Commission, often quoted to empower Christian mission, cannot be rightly understood apart from the empty tomb. Christ’s authority in heaven and earth is legitimized because He was raised to new life. Alive now in the presence of the Father, Jesus bridges heaven and earth for us. This is the resurrection power that prompts Jesus to “deputize” us in His redemptive work. Going out, running with joy like the women at the tomb, to tell others about the Gospel. It is not a dead Christ in whose name we baptize, but a risen one. This evangelism and discipleship will not be done alone. This resurrected Jesus promises, “I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

So, moving out from Easter, let us keep the resurrection close to heart. Let it be what moves us to fulfill the great commission. Let it be what fills us with joy and prompts us to follow. The resurrection truly changes everything.