Jesus’ resurrection unleashed God’s redemptive power across creation. By rising from the tomb, Jesus launched God’s new creation. Beginning with the disciples, empowered by Jesus’ Spirit (John 20:19-23), the gospel began to spread and bear fruit across the world. The resurrection shows that the cross was a victory and proclaims that God is now king on earth as in heaven.
If Jesus has indeed risen, then everything changes. His resurrection is not merely a historical event but the foundation of the church’s mission. It serves as a call to action and a reminder that we are part of something greater than ourselves—God’s plan to restore the world.
So, what does that mean for us today? How does Jesus’ resurrection invite us to live in the everyday stuff of life? I think there are countless ways, but let me give you three.
First, the resurrection gives us hope. The apostle Paul, in his wonderful description of the gospel in 1 Corinthians 15, tells us that Jesus’ resurrection means that Christians can have hope that they too will be resurrected after earthly death:
20 But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. 21 For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. 22 For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive. 23 But each in turn: Christ, the firstfruits; then, when he comes, those who belong to him. (1 Corinthians 15:20-23 NIV).
This hope fuels the church to share the gospel with the world and to testify to the hope that Jesus gives us because he has conquered sin, death, and the devil. Paul writes in Titus:
5...He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, 6 whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life. (Titus 3:5-7 NIV)
Second, the resurrection gives us a reason to live as Christ’s ambassadors. What is an ambassador? An ambassador is a messenger or envoy officially representing a higher authority. As followers of Jesus, the church operates in the power of the Spirit to represent Jesus to everyone we meet and in everything we do. Just as Jesus commissioned his first disciples to represent him (Matthew 28:18-20), we are also commissioned as ambassadors of Jesus, sharing his message, love, justice, and generosity with others so that they may be reconciled to God. Paul puts it this way:
17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! 18 All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: 19 that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. 20 We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God. 21 God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. (2 Corinthians 5:17-21 NIV)
Thirdly, the resurrection calls us to a deep and unwavering commitment to God. Paul, in his letter to the Corinthians, urges the church to let the reality of Jesus’ resurrection shape their lives and keep them steadfast in their commitment to the Lord:
58 Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. (1 Corinthians 15:58 NIV)
Paul is saying: If the resurrection is true, commit to a life of steadfast conviction. Remain unwavering in your belief in Christ’s resurrection and your own. Embracing this truth positions you to stand boldly against the forces of darkness, which wield death as their ultimate weapon. By choosing to speak life in Christ, preach life in Christ, and embody life in Christ, you will emerge as a courageous light amidst strong opposition. Make your life count for God’s glory!
What are some other ways the resurrection changes and challenges us today?
May this prayer guide you in the days to come:
Living God, even on this day when we celebrate your resurrection, we are mindful of how we still need to be made new. You have overcome the power of sin and death, and yet there are times when we still feel their power at work in us. In so many ways, we are still entombed by sin and death. We need to experience the power of resurrection in our hearts and minds, our attitudes and actions, the words we speak, and the ways we treat each other. Roll back the stones from our lives and set us free. Resurrect us and lead us to new life in Christ.
Praying for you, church!
–Wade