What does "He has risen from the dead" reveal about Jesus' divine nature? The Setting of the Words Matthew 28:6-7: “He is not here; He has risen, just as He said. Come, 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.’” Initial Observations • The announcement comes from an angel—God’s own messenger—underscoring the statement’s authority. • “Just as He said” links the resurrection to Jesus’ earlier predictions (e.g., Matthew 16:21; 17:23; 20:19), showing foreknowledge exclusive to deity. • The empty tomb provides physical evidence that matches the heavenly proclamation. What the Resurrection Reveals about Jesus’ Divine Nature • Divine Power over Life and Death – John 10:17-18: “I lay down My life… I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again.” Only God possesses such authority. – Acts 2:24: “But God raised Him up, releasing Him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for Him to be held in its clutches.” Death cannot imprison deity. • Validation of His Deity and Sonship – Romans 1:4: “and who through the Spirit of holiness was declared with power to be the Son of God by His resurrection from the dead: Jesus Christ our Lord.” – John 20:28-29: Thomas responds to the risen Christ, “My Lord and my God!” The resurrection moves the disciples to worship Him as God. • Fulfillment of Messianic Prophecy – Psalm 16:10 prophesied, “You will not abandon My soul to Sheol, nor will You let Your Holy One see decay.” Only the divine “Holy One” escapes corruption. – Isaiah 53:10-11 foretells life after death for the suffering Servant, a feat no mere man could achieve. • Firstfruits and Sovereign Head of a New Creation – 1 Corinthians 15:20: “Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.” His resurrection initiates a new order of life that He controls. – Colossians 1:18: “He is the beginning and firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything He may have the preeminence.” • Eternal Self-Existence – Revelation 1:17-18: “I am the First and the Last… I was dead, and behold, I am alive forever and ever!” Eternity in both directions belongs only to God. Supporting Scripture Chain Psalm 16:10 → Isaiah 53:10-11 → Matthew 16:21 → John 10:17-18 → Acts 2:24 → Romans 1:4 → 1 Corinthians 15:20 → Revelation 1:18 Together, these passages form a continuous testimony that Jesus’ resurrection is the hallmark of divine identity. Practical Takeaways • The empty tomb anchors faith in a living Savior who possesses unrivaled authority. • Because He lives eternally, His promises are eternally dependable (2 Corinthians 1:20). • Union with Christ means sharing in His divine life now and bodily resurrection later (Romans 8:11). |
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