How should Matthew 27:63 influence our response to Jesus' resurrection promise today? Remembering the Promise: What the Verse Reveals • “Sir, we remember that while He was alive that deceiver said, ‘After three days I will rise again.’” (Matthew 27:63) • Even Jesus’ enemies could not forget His resurrection promise; they took it so seriously that they posted a guard (vv. 64–66). • Their acknowledgment underlines how clear, public, and literal the promise was (cf. Matthew 16:21; 17:22-23; 20:18-19). Taking Jesus at His Word • If adversaries treated His words as undeniable, how much more should disciples embrace them in faith. • Jesus never exaggerated or spoke vaguely about rising; He stated the timetable plainly. • The empty tomb in Matthew 28:5-7 vindicates every syllable. Living in the Certainty of Resurrection • Confidence: Romans 10:9—“If you confess with your mouth Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” • Hope: 1 Corinthians 15:20—Christ is “the firstfruits” guaranteeing our future resurrection. • Courage: Acts 4:33—apostles testified “with great power” because they knew He lives. Practical Responses for Today Adopt the same seriousness toward His promise that even skeptics showed—only with belief rather than fear. 1. Anchor your faith: Regularly rehearse resurrection passages (John 11:25-26; 1 Peter 1:3). 2. Refuse compromise: Stand firm when culture doubts, remembering that scoffers once tried to seal a tomb. 3. Live expectantly: Let the coming bodily resurrection shape daily priorities, relationships, and purity (1 John 3:2-3). 4. Proclaim boldly: Share the gospel as historical fact, not mere philosophy (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). 5. Face trials with calm: The worst the world can do ends at a grave Jesus already emptied (2 Corinthians 4:14). Conclusion: From Remembrance to Response Matthew 27:63 shows that Jesus’ resurrection promise was unmistakable and unavoidable. Our right response is wholehearted trust, everyday obedience, and joyful proclamation—living proof that we remember, believe, and build our lives on the risen Lord. |
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