Tuesday, April 10, 2007
Luke 18:31-33 Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and all things that are written by the prophets concerning the Son of Man will be accomplished. For He will be delivered to the Gentiles and will be mocked and insulted and spit upon. They will scourge Him and kill Him. And the third day He will rise again.
THE FACTS OF THE RESURRECTION -- THE WORD OF JESUS
The resurrection of Jesus not only fulfilled Old Testament Bible prophecy, but it also fulfilled the very words of Jesus Himself. Throughout His ministry Jesus had spoken to His disciples and even the unbelieving Jews about His approaching death and resurrection. He made it very clear to all people what His purpose was.
When Jesus cleansed the temple at the beginning of His ministry, he told the Jews who questioned Him, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up" (John 2:19). Another time when the Jews asked for a sign from Jesus, He compared Himself to the prophet Jonah saying, "For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish, so will the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth" (Matthew 12:40).
As Jesus death drew closer, Jesus told His followers very clearly what was going to happen. He told them that He was going to Jerusalem to die, but He also promised them that He would rise again. The words of Jesus recorded in Scripture confirm for us the fact of the resurrection. He promised that He would rise again. He assured them that He would be victorious over death. We have been reconciled! He is arisen!
He is arisen! Glorious Word!
Now reconciled is God, my Lord;
The gates of heav'n are open.
My Jesus did triumphant die,
And Satan's arrows broken lie,
Destroyed hell's direst weapon.
Oh hear what cheer!
Christ victorious riseth glorious;
Life He giveth --
He was dead, but see, He liveth! Amen.
(The Lutheran Hymnal, 189)
