FRIDAY, MARCH 30
Luke 24:1-43
John 11:17-27

“…I am the resurrection, and the life:
he that believeth in me… yet shall he live.”

THE RESURRECTION

Jesus was resurrected on the first day of the week, which is Sunday in our calendar today. This is the reason early Christians, as recorded in the book of Acts, gathered for worship on the first day of the week, also called the Lord’s Day (Acts 20:7). Jesus’ resurrection proved He conquered death. This is the day when worship and thanksgiving to God is done for He chose to rise on this day.

Jesus rose bodily from the grave as the angels told Mary and company. He did not rise as a spirit, but with His own body, now a glorified body. The angels declared that Jesus was living and He should not be sought among the dead. Jesus has said, “…I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?” (John 11:25-26).

Jesus showed Himself bodily to His disciples although they were not able to recognize Him. They lacked understanding because of their unbelief and fear for what had just happened to their Teacher. Jesus, however, eventually revealed Himself to them. He reproved them for not believing the things they ought to have known already. Not once only but several times did Jesus foretell His death and resurrection. Nevertheless, the disciples did not have the faith to believe these words. Jesus explained that His crucifixion, death and resurrection were necessary for man’s salvation. When they took the bread, their eyes were immediately opened. Jesus did not only appear to a few but to all His disciples. He greeted them with peace, different from the peace the world offers, for His peace passes all understanding.

The Lord said that they should not be troubled for He was not a Spirit but the resurrected One who had flesh and bones.

THOUGHT: Am I looking forward to the day of resurrection?
PRAYER: Lord, I look forward to the rapture and the resurrection day when all believers shall receive their glorified bodies!