When people we know leave us or die, we only possess memories of them. However, Jesus is much more than just a memory – he died, rose again and lives today. We might know some details concerning Jesus’ life. We might be able to recall some of Jesus’ famous teachings. We might even consider Jesus to be a prophet – but if we don’t believe that Jesus’ rose again, we are missing something very important.

‘For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that the Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Peter, and then to the Twelve. After that, he appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers at the same time, most of who are still living, though some have fallen asleep. Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles, and last of all he appeared to me also, as to one abnormally born’ (1 Corinthians 15:3-8). It happened just as Jesus said it would. Jesus appeared on more than one occasion after his death. He not only appeared to one or two people, but on one occasion he also appeared to more than five hundred people at the same time. Those who witnessed Jesus’ resurrection traveled from city to city sharing their stories with others – and it was noticeable that Jesus’ resurrection was at the centre of their testimonies:

• ‘God has raised this Jesus to life, and we are all witnesses to the fact’ (Acts 2:32).
• ‘With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus…’ (Acts 4:33)

The disciples were so convinced that they had witnessed Jesus’ resurrection that they risked their own lives in order to tell others about it. But why were the Apostles so passionate about the resurrection of Jesus?

①   Jesus is sat at the right hand of God

There are many reasons why the disciples were passionate about the resurrection. One reason was because it meant that Jesus is now sat at the right hand of God, where he intercedes on our behalf. We have a friend, called Jesus, and he is speaking up for us in heaven. My friend Jesus – your friend Jesus – sits above all earthly rulers – above all things – even above the most powerful man in the world, President Barak Obama. The President of the United States of America doesn’t know me – but Jesus does – and Jesus sits above all Presidents.

‘I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength, which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. And God place all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.’ (Ephesians 1:18-23). Jesus is over us, protecting us, empowering us and willing us to reflect his fullness and power.

②   The same power that raised Jesus from the dead lives and works for us.

Another reason why the disciples were passionate about the resurrection was because they knew the same power which raised Jesus from the dead, was also working for them. In verses 18 & 19 of the previous passage of Scripture, Paul explains that he is praying for the Ephesians; praying that they would know the incomparably great power which is for us who believe. This great power that Paul is talking about is no ordinary power; it is like the working of God’s mighty strength. It is the same power which God used when he raised Jesus from the dead. The same power that raised Jesus from his death is working on our behalf – it is working towards our good. If God is for us – who can be against us? As Christians, we have the opportunity to be renewed, strengthened and empowered by the same great power that raised Jesus from the dead more than two thousand years ago.

③   Sin can no longer hold us back or hold us down

A third reason why the disciples were so passionate about the resurrection was because they knew that sin had lost it’s power – sin can no longer hold people down – it can no longer hold us back, unless we choose to allow it to. As Jesus died he took on his shoulders the sins of the world – and with all the sins of the world on his shoulders he died – then, having paid the price for those sins, he rose again. Jesus’ resurrection showed that the power of sin had been broken.

④   We will certainly be united with Jesus after death

The fourth reason why the disciples were so passionate about the resurrection was because they knew it for certainty that they also would rise again and be united with Jesus.

‘We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life. If we have been united with him like this in his death, we will certainly also be united with him in his resurrection’ (Romans 6:4-5). After our physical death we will certainly, definitely, beyond doubt, absolutely, immediately, instantly, be united with Jesus in heaven. There is no room for your family to pray for your salvation after your death. There is no need for you to wonder, while you are alive, ‘Have I done enough to know for sure I will one day be united with Jesus in heaven?’ – There is no need to wonder or question – the moment you put your faith in Jesus you can be certain you will also rise to heaven and be untied with Jesus. This is a great reason for a celebration! Where else can you receive this kind of assurance? How many people have you met, who are facing the end of their lives and wondering what is going to happen to me?  Jesus took away the question in so many peoples lives and made a promise – a promise that ‘we will certainly also be united with him in his resurrection’ (Romans 6:5). Read it for yourself, it is written in God’s Word – This is God’s promise to us who believe!

Of all the days to be passionate – this is the day! Of all the days to celebrate – this is the day! The good news is that the things we celebrate today – we can celebrate everyday. We can be passionate about these things, and assured about these things, for the rest of our lives.

①   Jesus is sat at the right hand of God, interceding on our behalf

②   The same power that raised Jesus from the dead lives and works for us.

③   Sin can no longer hold us back or hold us down

④   We will certainly be united with Jesus after death