The Resurrection of our Lord, April 20, 2025

The Resurrection of our Lord, April 20, 2025

Friday, the day of Jesus’ death and entombment, was the first day, making Sunday the third day. Jesus’ resurrection accords with the Scriptures in three ways: 1) prophecy and anticipation; 2) Jesus’ own words regarding his death; and 3) the witness to it as a historical event. The Jewish people heard their prophets and psalmists allude to the resurrection of the body (cf. Lev. 23:10; Ps 16:10-11; 17:15), to the resurrection of the Suffering Servant (cf. Isa. 53:10b), and the words of Jesus when he spoke of the sign of Jonah (Mt. 12:38-41). Jesus himself warned his disciples of the death he would die and the resurrection he would receive (Mk. 8:31; 9:30-31; & 10:33-34). Scripture witnesses to the resurrection as a historical event; there is the testimony of the gospel accounts; there is the preaching in the Book of Acts (esp. Acts 13:29-30); and there is Jesus’ post-resurrection appearance to Paul and others (Acts 9:1-19; 22:6-16; 26:12-23; & 1 Cor. 15:5-8). While God’s word, the Scriptures, provides a plenitude of information on the reality of the resurrection, we receive little information on how the resurrection was accomplished. As with the creation itself, the new creation most likely was ushered in by God speaking his Word. We are given the image of Lazarus in the tomb. Jesus (God in the flesh) stands outside and speaks to the death inside, saying, “Lazarus, come forth!” (Jn. 11:43). God’s Word does what it says. It does not return to the Lord empty (Is. 55:11).

Prayers from one who rests in the confidence of God’s Word…

Heavenly Father, you have raised Jesus Christ from the dead. Grant that your Holy Spirit work within me that I would trust the truth of Jesus’ resurrection. Faithful God, hear my prayer.

Heavenly Father, you have raised Jesus Christ from the dead. Grant that as this faith takes hold of me, I would come to know my life as a new creature in Christ. Faithful God, hear my prayer.

Heavenly Father, you have raised Jesus Christ from the dead. Grant that as I come to know myself as a new creature in Christ, my joy and contentment would be complete. Faithful God, hear my prayer.

Heavenly Father, you have raised Jesus Christ from the dead. Grant that as my joy and contentment are complete, my neighbors would enjoy my presence in their midst. Faithful God, hear my prayer.

Heavenly Father, you have raised Jesus Christ from the dead. Grant that while I am among my neighbors, I would not hesitate to share the reason for my joy with them. Faithful God, hear my prayer.

Heavenly Father, you have raised Jesus Christ from the dead. Grant, as I am a neighbor to the Institute of Lutheran Theology, that it would be a place of joy and contentment. Faithful God, hear my prayer.

Heavenly Father, you have raised Jesus Christ from the dead. Grant that the days of my baptism would be filled with such joy and contentment until the day of Jesus Christ. Faithful God, hear my prayer.