Why the Cross?Shembull

Resurrection Power

The supernatural events we look at today further remind us of the power of the resurrection.

The Grave Clothes Remained

"Then Simon Peter, who was behind him, arrived and went into the tomb. He saw the strips of linen lying there, as well as the burial cloth that had been around Jesus' head. The cloth was folded up by itself, separate from the linen. Finally the other disciple, who had reached the tomb first, also went inside. He saw and believed" (John 20:6-8). They didn't find evidence of a hasty retreat or disturbance by humans, but the linens lying neatly and in order revealing the miracle of the resurrection.

The Power of the Resurrection

The miracles that occurred during the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ were not random. These miracles tie-in the significance of that first Easter weekend and work together to make it clear that the crucifixion and the resurrection are two sides of the same coin. That the death and resurrection must go together.

Why is that? Because by His crucifixion, Jesus paid the price for sin for all those who will come to Him. And by His resurrection, He has empowered them to defeat sin and death. Through His death, Jesus redeemed all those who would believe in Him from hell and eternal judgment. But by His resurrection He assured them of their own eternal resurrection.

At the Cross Jesus became the victim of sin, but three days later He became the victor over death and the grave. The crucifixion and the resurrection of Jesus Christ are inseparable. You cannot have one without the other. As you celebrate the resurrection this Easter, remember that God's greatest miracle was not a one-time event. Christ is still alive, and He walks with us daily. And His resurrection is the prelude of our own to come.

Prayer: Thank You God for the sacrifice of Your Son and for the power of the resurrection! Amen.

But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive (1 Corinthians 15:20-22).