How can we find hope in the promise of Jesus' resurrection? The Promise Foretold “...and will hand Him over to the Gentiles to be mocked and flogged and crucified. And on the third day He will be raised to life.” (Matthew 20:19) Why This Specific Promise Breathes Hope - It came from Jesus’ own lips before the cross—showing deliberate, sovereign intent. - It declares that death would not have the final word, confronting our deepest fear. - It ties suffering and glory together; if the worst could be reversed for Him, it can be reversed for us. Scripture Echoes That Amplify Our Assurance - 1 Corinthians 15:20 – “But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.” - 1 Peter 1:3 – “He has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.” - John 11:25-26 – “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in Me will live, even though he dies.” - Romans 6:4 – “Just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may walk in newness of life.” - Revelation 1:18 – “I am the Living One; I was dead, and behold, I am alive forever and ever.” Four Ways the Resurrection Grounds Our Present Hope 1. Victory over sin’s penalty - The empty tomb proves the Father accepted the sacrifice (Romans 4:25). 2. Freedom from death’s terror - Because He lives, death is a doorway, not a dead end (Hebrews 2:14-15). 3. Power for transformed living now - The same power that raised Jesus is at work in believers (Ephesians 1:19-20). 4. Guarantee of future bodily resurrection - His rising is the “firstfruits,” a pledge that our own resurrection will follow (1 Corinthians 15:23). Practical Ways to Lean into This Hope - Recall the timeline: suffering, death, resurrection. Expect God to write the same pattern into trials. - Celebrate Sunday every week as resurrection remembrance; let worship realign perspective. - Memorize key resurrection verses to counter fear and discouragement. - Share your testimony of Christ’s life-giving power; hope multiplies when spoken. - Face grief with anticipation, “We believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in Him.” (1 Thessalonians 4:14) Living Today in Light of the Third Day - Approach challenges with a “third-day horizon.” If God raised Jesus, no circumstance is hopeless. - Pursue holiness, knowing resurrection life enables obedience (Romans 6:11-14). - Serve boldly; labor “is not in vain in the Lord” (1 Corinthians 15:58) because resurrection guarantees eternal fruit. - Encourage fellow believers: remind one another that our future is as secure as the risen Savior who promised it. Closing Reflection The angel’s words still resound: “He is not here; He has risen!” (Matthew 28:6). Hope is no longer a wishful thought; it is anchored in a historical, bodily resurrection that guarantees a glorious future and empowers victorious living right now. |
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