Did the resurrection of Jesus Christ become “old news”?
News cycles today move quite rapidly. Current events are indeed kept current. There is so much available as news that last week’s headlines can almost be forgotten with the urgency of today’s news.
Back in 33 A.D., however, news didn’t travel as fast. Documents were hand copied and word of mouth was how news spread.
Residents in Jerusalem saw many crucifixions by the Romans. It was a frequent punishment for those who opposed the presence of the Roman soldiers and the emperor they represented. Criminals, insurrectionists, those accused of infractions against Rome were the victims.
Jesus Christ of Nazareth crucified with common criminals? It was unthinkable to those who had family members or friends who were healed by him. I imagine the blacksmith who made the nails may have had his wife’s health restored. The carpenter who made the beams that formed the cross may have been intrigued that a carpenter from Nazareth was to die; especially after hearing many reports of good works by Jesus.
The crowd that watched his bloody form attempt to carry the cross up Golgotha’s hill may have wondered why a miracle worker like Jesus should be mistreated and condemned to die.
The Roman governor, Pilate, had a sign nailed to the cross, “Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews.” Was he trying to ease his conscience or make a mockery of the Jews? He had tried to keep Jesus from being condemned. Even his wife sent him a message urging him to avoid judgment.
The news of his death on the cross traveled around Jerusalem and the surrounding area. Events during the crucifixion; darkness at noon, an earthquake, and the veil in the temple being torn were probably discussed.
All of those details faded with the news three days later; the tomb is empty! The reports circulated rapidly. Angels were seen at the tomb, announcing he is alive! Several men and women looked into the tomb and saw it empty. Others spoke to Jesus when he called them by name.
All four Gospels end with accounts of Jesus and the disciples being together. One writer says “many infallible proofs” verify his resurrection during a period of 40 days in which Jesus was with the disciples.
The apostles made frequent reference to the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The news of that event did not grow old.
Paul wrote that more than 500 saw Jesus alive. He reported that most of them were still living at the time of his writing, which was about 25 years after his resurrection.
The resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead is still good news. Miracles still happen in his name. Countless numbers of people have received his Spirit and had their sins remitted in his name.
His resurrection is not just a legend or fable. It is a powerful truth that has relevance to our lives today. Don’t let the resurrection of Jesus become old news. Receive and rejoice in the benefits of this Bible truth.
Mitch Glover is pastor of Sterling Pentecostal Church. Sunday services include Bible classes for all ages at 10 a.m. and worship service at 11 a.m. Bible study is Thursday at 7 p.m. Visit the services and sterlingpentecostalchurch.com.
