We cannot overstate the significance of the cross. The God who spoke every atom of the universe into existence and who holds all things together chose to become a human child. The child grew into a man and allowed himself to suffer the lowest, most humiliating, and most painful death imaginable.

though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross

– Philippians 2:6-8, ESV

For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

– 2 Corinthians 5:21, ESV

There has never been, nor ever will be, a greater act of love than that of Jesus suffering and dying on the cross for sinners like you and me. However, the cross without the resurrection is an incomplete gospel. After Jesus was placed in the tomb of Joseph of Arimathea, His followers were left scattered, afraid, confused, and in great despair. Without the resurrection, death would have claimed victory over the Son of God.

When writing to the church in Corinth, the Apostle Paul wrote:

“If there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised. And if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain and your faith is in vain.”

- 1 Corinthians 15:13-14, ESV

Paul was correct in making this statement, but lest we forget, Paul was not talking philosophically about some vague spiritual truth. Paul had seen the risen Lord and had heard his voice. Paul was saved from the dead religion of the Pharisees, and Christ commissioned him to be an apostle for spreading the gospel’s good news to all people. What transformed Paul from a persecutor of the church into a missionary for Christ? It was the simple undeniable fact that the resurrection was true.

Paul was not alone in his witness. Christ appeared first to Mary Magdalene, and then to two disciples journeying on the road between Jerusalem and Emmaus. He would appear before his disciples numerous times and for forty days was witnessed by as many as five hundred individuals before he ascended to heaven, giving his church the great commission.

“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

– Matthew 28:18-20, ESV

The truthfulness of the resurrection changes everything. Skeptics may see the resurrection as a symbol of hope, resilience, and the triumph of good over evil. For Christians, however, the resurrection is the ultimate victory of Jesus over sin and death. The resurrection proves God’s gift of salvation and transformation is not a religious fantasy. Jesus, crucified and buried in a tomb, miraculously rose from the dead on the third day just as he said he would. His disciples and followers were initially skeptical, but as they bore witness to their risen Lord, they were filled with awe and wonder. They realized that Jesus truly was all he claimed to be, the Son of God, who had the power to conquer death and bring salvation to all who believed in Him.

I particularly love Luke’s account of how Jesus appeared before the disciples:

Jesus himself stood among them, and said to them, “Peace to you!” But they were startled and frightened and thought they saw a spirit. And he said to them, “Why are you troubled, and why do doubts arise in your hearts? See my hands and my feet, that it is I myself. Touch me, and see. For a spirit does not have flesh and bones as you see that I have.” And when he had said this, he showed them his hands and his feet. And while they still disbelieved for joy and were marveling, he said to them, “Have you anything here to eat?” They gave him a piece of broiled fish, and he took it and ate before them. Then he said to them, “These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you, that everything written about me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled.” Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures, and said to them, “Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead, and that repentance for the forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things. And behold, I am sending the promise of my Father upon you.

- Luke 24:36-49, ESV

As is the case in every resurrection encounter, there is an understanding that the truth of the resurrection, and the salvation which was won, should not be kept a secret. Many people go through their lives without ever knowing or believing in the power of resurrection. They live lives of quiet desperation, moving from one distraction to another, putting off the inevitability of death followed by nothing. They do not know that there is freedom from sin, victory over death, and the assurance of a glorious future.

In a sense, the resurrection is a call to action for believers. Not only does it call us to follow in Jesus’ sacrificial footsteps as we seek to live lives of love, compassion, and mercy. It also calls us to be messengers of the good news of the gospel so long as we have life left to live.