Jesus conquered death so we could live. Matthew 27:51-54
We’ve spent the last three weeks on Jesus and His resurrection power. But did you know that when Jesus was raised from the dead after His crucifixion, there were other saints that rose from the dead as well? The book of Matthew tells us that there was darkness throughout the land from noon to 3 pm on the day that Jesus hung on the cross. When Jesus died there was an earthquake, rocks were split, graves were open and the thick 30-foot veil which hung in the temple was torn into two pieces from the top to the bottom. The veil separated the Holy of Holies court from the outer court. Only the priest could go in and commune with the presence of God once a year to atone or gain forgiveness for the people’s sins. (Day of Atonement or Yom Kippur.)
After Jesus rose from the dead some graves had been opened from the earthquake and past away saints were resurrected from the dead. They went into the city of Jerusalem where many people saw them. The bible does not say what happened to them after. We don’t know if they found their families and lived a longer life or if they met Jesus in the air when He ascended into heaven.
When Jesus rose from the dead, He was considered the “first fruits” of all who would be saved and resurrected in the future. He conquered death. The old way of forgiving sins by the sacrifice of animals was done away with when He died on the cross and the veil in the Holy of Holies had been ripped in two. Jesus was the final and ultimate sacrifice for all of us. Because He rose from the dead, our faith is not in vain. The Bible says that Jesus will return and those that are dead in Christ will rise first and be caught up in the air with other Christians who are living on earth. No one knows and the Bible does not reveal the hour and the day that this will happen. Jesus’ disciples thought He would return during their lifetime and we as Christians should also anticipate that He can return in our lifetime as well. If Jesus came back today would you be ready? Make sure, by asking Him to be your Lord and Savior and receive His free gift of salvation. (John 3:16)
Personal Development Tip of the week:
What are you doing this week to grow in your life? We can grow each and every day if we do one thing that can move us forward. Maybe you need to prioritize your health each day and eat a little bit better. Maybe you need to spend 20 minutes each morning reading to sharpen your mind.
Whatever it may be, ask yourself “What can I do to improve just 1% today” because small progress each day is what leads to long-term growth and happiness.
Prayer for the week:
Dear Heavenly Father, I am praying over this individual's week. Thank God it’s Monday and I’m praying for you lord to bring peace over this person and their families lives this week. I pray they protect their acceptance of you lord and work to honor you in all they do in Jesus name amen!
-Dayne
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Jesus Conquered Death So We Could Live