Many people have varying ideas regarding who Jesus is. Jesus even asked His disciples regarding the talk of the day. (Matthew 16:13-16) The truth about Jesus and how we are to relate to Him is of eternal significance. It is not enough to simply place Him in a category with other great teachers or martyrs for a cause.
In the opening of his letter to Christians at Rome, Paul wasted no time pointing to the declaration of Who Jesus is! We read. . .
“(1) Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God, (2) which he promised beforehand through his prophets in the holy Scriptures, (3) concerning his Son, who was descended from David according to the flesh (4) and was declared to be the Son of God in power according to the Spirit of holiness by his resurrection from the dead, Jesus Christ our Lord,” (Romans 1:1-4 ESV)
The fact Jesus fit prophecy after prophecy pointed clearly to His Divinity. (John 5:39-40) The power displayed in His miracles also testified to Who He was and is. (John 10:25 & 38) Though Jesus willingly submitted to a cruel death by crucifixion, He died by a means others had suffered. But it was Jesus’ victory over death — the power of His resurrection — that was the clincher in pointing to His being the Son of God! It was the sign of Jonah (Matthew 12:39-40) to which He had earlier referred during His ministry. It was undeniable. Why else would some of the Jewish leaders have paid off the soldiers who had been given charge to guard the tomb and have them circulate the story the disciples had stolen the body? (Matthew 28:11-15) They knew what the implications of an empty tomb represented!
The empty tomb was opened, not so Jesus could get out but so human eyes could look within and see He was no longer there! It was the open declaration of the Savior Who came to give His life that through Him we could have life and have it abundantly (John 10:10) and eternally. And His resurrection is the assurance of our own! (1 Corinthians 15:20-23) May we openly declare His Lordship by our life and words!
Have a great day TRUSTING IN HIS RESURRECTION POWER!
Carl
