This Changes EverythingSample

The Resurrection Changed Everything

On what is known as Good Friday, Christ's final words were, “It is finished” (John 19:28-30). So, Resurrection Sunday is summarized in the three words again – but this time Christ is the Victor – the angel at the tomb says, “He has Risen." (Mark 16:6). Christus Victor emerges from Mark’s gospel, identifying Jesus as the one who gathered all the evil onto Himself and defeated it on the cross – He countered violence and corruption with sacrifice, laying down His own sinless life.

What Did the Resurrection Change?

His purpose in coming to earth was to have Victory over the devil and the evil forces in this world. It is with great meaning that Jesus’ death happened at Passover, which was an annual festival for the Jews, signifying the release of God's people from captivity. Jesus' resurrection releases us from imprisonment from evil forces into freedom (Mark 14:12). Jesus overcomes sin on the cross and rises to show He could not be held down because He was sinless. 1 John 3:8 states “The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the works of the devil.” The cross is the place of Victory over the devil.

He came to overcome evil and bring us life.The world has been restored to what it should have been – it has been set right side up – now that evil has been destroyed. John 10:10, "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly." The resurrection shows us the life that is possible here and now.

We now have Victory and freedom. Jesus has overcome all the powers of evil through his resurrection. It has happened spiritually – and now it is working out on the earth. The body of Christ has the sacred task of being part of this outworking – we have the Victory, and now we are called to bring this Victory to the world. We don't get it with the sword - we get it with the kingdom of love, grace, mercy and justice. 1 Cor 15:57, "But thanks be to God, which giveth us the Victory through our Lord Jesus Christ."

Prayer Point:

Thank you Lord Jesus for Resurrection Sunday. The moment where hell and death were defeated. Thank you that you came and destroyed the works of the devil, to bring us life so that we can live in Victory and freedom today.