Dead and Buried, But It Was Not The End

In the build-up to Easter, ROSEMARY DAWSON looks at key events in the life of Jesus. This week: Resurrection (John 19:38 to 21:14)

When a celebrity dies, especially in tragic circumstances, the papers and news bulletins are full of reports, pictures and reflections on that person’s life. Close friends talk about happy times. Commentators offer analysis of a lifetime of achievements. Fans shed a silent tear. Sometimes national grief pours on to the streets. Vigils are held, flowers are laid, silence is maintained.

During his ministry, Jesus often attracted large crowds. They followed him wherever he went, listening to his every word, watching him do amazing things. On a couple of occasions, he fed the thousands who had gathered to hear him. Many people, including his closest followers, believed him to be God’s long-promised Messiah.

But when Jesus died a slow and painful death on a cross on Good Friday, there were few who stayed with him. With sunset approaching, Jesus’ body was hastily buried in a sealed tomb. There was no ceremony, no flowers and no eulogies.

When his followers arrived at the tomb early on Sunday morning, they found that the stone sealing the guarded entrance had been moved. Looking in, they saw that the tomb was empty. The body of Jesus was gone. All that remained were his folded burial clothes. At first, they feared the body had been stolen. But as Jesus revealed himself to them in a number of appearances - in a garden, in a locked room and by the seashore - they gradually realised he was not a ghost, but had indeed risen from death.

The Resurrection is the central truth of Christianity. If it didn’t happen, then there is no point having faith and there is no life after death. But if the Resurrection is true, then Jesus really did defeat the power of sin and death, and eternal life is a possibility for all who put their trust in him.

That’s why Easter is the most important Christian celebration and deeply significant - and not just for a select few, but for every man, woman and child on the earth. By his death and resurrection, Jesus has opened up the way for us to find forgiveness and reconciliation with God. Easter celebrates not only a past event but also a present reality - Jesus alive in the world today. How will you be celebrating?

UK & Ireland War Cry 19 April 2014