The bodily resurrection of Jesus is hard for many people to accept. However, the combination of the empty tomb and the eye witness accounts make the resurrection hard to dismiss. Still, this “first fruit” of God’s coming kingdom is frequently met with resistance. Jesus’ public ministry began with many temptations from Satan, followed by rejection in his home town.

On the evening of the first Easter Day, even the disciples showed significant resistance. They had doubts (v. 38), they disbelieved (v.41) and earlier Jesus called two of them foolish and slow to believe (v.25). They also failed to understand Jesus’ 3 years of biblical instruction (v.44).  

Most Jews expected a general resurrection on the Last Day, but a single Messiah being raised while Rome still ruled didn’t fit their expectations.

Jesus proclaimed the kingdom of God and DEMONSTRATED it through his resurrection.

Jesus’ resurrection was not a mere resuscitation. It was a new kind of body, but fully physical with flesh and bones (v.39). It was made with the material of his previous body, leaving the tomb empty except for the grave clothes. He appeared to many people and then ascended into heaven, where he’s been for 2000+ years. Many people struggle greatly with these historical facts. It’s worth considering what your own resistance level is. Embracing the kingdom begins with repentance (see Mark 1:15). Christianity offers hope for a future resurrection when Christ returns.

Taking It Home: Repent by turning away from competing worldviews and placing your trust in Jesus, even though he leaves us with many unanswered questions. Ask him to do for you what he offered his disciples: scriptural understanding, a commission to extend his grace, a call to witness and the Holy Spirit.