What happened on Easter Sunday changed the course of history

FOLLOWING the death of Jesus on the cross, His disciples were, to put it in a modern term, not in a great place.

The man they had followed for three years was dead.

They had seen Him heal the sick, feed thousands from just a few loaves and fish, walk on water, cast demons out of people, calm a storm, open the eyes of blind people, cause deaf people to hear, and more.

He turned water into wine, cured epileptics, caused a withered arm to straighten out, raised dead people back to life, and the list goes on.

Can you imagine being close to him and witnessing this for three years?

The Bible says that he attracted ‘multitudes’.

But then He willingly gave Himself up to do die.

And died a horrible, humiliating death. How could He not have saved Himself?

I think it’s fair to say the disciples just did not understand it all.

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The Romans were probably pleased Jesus was dead. Last thing they wanted was a man who could walk with an army and raise the dead, wounded or maimed back to life.

What army could defeat that?

The Jewish leaders, led by the Pharisees and Sadducees, no doubt were relieved He was gone – no more scathing criticism, and challenge to their control over the people.

So when Mary Magdalena went to the tomb on the dawn of the first day of the week (after the Sabbath), she had quite an experience.

There was a:

– great earthquake

– an angel of the Lord descended

– the angel rolled the boulder back and sat on it

– the guards basically passed out due to fear

But the angel had good news for Mary.

He told her not to be frightened. He acknowledged that she had been looking for Jesus, but told her that ‘He is not here, He has risen, as He said He would do’.

Then the angel showed her the place where He lay.

However, the angel told Mary to quickly go and tell His disciples that He had risen, and was on His way to Galilee.

Mary (and some other friends of hers who with her) ran to tell the disciples.

As they went, Jesus met them and greeted them.

They clasped His feet and worshiped Him.

There’s so much more one could say on the matter, but in summary:

It was crucial that Jesus rose from the dead. He opened the way to eternal life with His father in heaven.

Later, Jesus would ascend to the right hand of the Father.

Anyone who chooses to repent of their sins and believe in Him will be assured of a place with Him for eternity.

Easter Sunday sealed that deal for us.

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