Holy Week: Day 8 – Resurrections Sunday
Easter Sunday, also known as Resurrection Sunday, is a pivotal event in the Christian faith, marking the culmination of the Passion of Jesus Christ and celebrating his resurrection from the dead, as described in the New Testament of the Bible.
The detailed description of Easter Sunday begins with the account provided in the four Gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.
1. The Empty Tomb: Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene, along with other women, went to the tomb where Jesus had been buried. They found the stone rolled away from the entrance, and upon entering, they discovered that the body of Jesus was missing. Perplexed and distressed, Mary ran to tell Peter and the other disciples.
2. Mary Magdalene Encounters the Risen Jesus: Mary Magdalene returned to the tomb after informing the disciples. As she stood outside weeping, she saw two angels in white sitting where Jesus’ body had been, one at the head and the other at the feet. They asked her why she was crying, and she explained her distress over the missing body of Jesus. Then, turning around, she saw Jesus standing there, but she did not recognize him at first. Jesus asked her why she was crying and whom she was seeking. Thinking him to be the gardener, she asked if he had taken the body away. Then Jesus spoke her name, “Mary,” and she recognized him. Overwhelmed with joy, she clung to him, but Jesus told her not to hold onto him, as he had not yet ascended to the Father. He instructed her to go and tell the disciples that he was ascending to his Father and their Father, to his God and their God.
3. The Risen Jesus Appears to the Disciples: Meanwhile, the disciples were gathered together, fearfully discussing recent events. Suddenly, Jesus appeared among them, even though the doors were locked. He greeted them with peace and showed them his hands and side, bearing the wounds of his crucifixion. Overjoyed, the disciples realized that it was truly Jesus standing before them.
4. Thomas Sees and Believes: However, Thomas, one of the disciples, was not present when Jesus appeared. When the other disciples told him that they had seen the Lord, he doubted and insisted that he would not believe unless he saw the nail marks in Jesus’ hands and put his finger where the nails were and his hand into Jesus’ side. Eight days later, the disciples were together again, and Jesus appeared in their midst. He addressed Thomas directly, inviting him to see and touch his wounds. Overwhelmed with conviction, Thomas exclaimed, “My Lord and my God!” Jesus blessed those who believe without seeing but warned against disbelief.
5. The Great Commission: Jesus appeared to his disciples multiple times over the course of forty days, teaching them about the Kingdom of God. On one occasion, he appeared to over five hundred followers at once. Before ascending to heaven, Jesus commissioned his disciples to go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything he had commanded them. He assured them of his presence always, even to the end of the age.
Easter Sunday marks the triumph of life over death, the fulfillment of prophecy, and the foundation of the Christian faith in the resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is a day of joy, hope, and redemption for believers around the world.
All teachings are prayerfully written by Daniel Glasco, utilizing available resources to faithfully present biblical truth and discipleship encouragement.
