The 7 Whys of EasterSample

Why Did Jesus Have to Rise from the Dead?

We understand why Jesus had to die on the cross: to pay for our sins and purchase our salvation, but why was it important that he rise physically from the grave on the third day?

My first answer was: Jesus had to be resurrected because the Bible promised he would be. The prophet said of the Suffering Servant, “when his soul makes an offering for guilt, he shall see his offspring; he shall prolong his days” (Isaiah 53:10).

Jesus repeatedly promised he would be raised from the dead. For instance, he told his disciples he “must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised” (Matthew 16:21).

Why were these promises made? The Spirit didn’t have to inspire the Old Testament writers to make them or lead Jesus to affirm them. Why did his physical resurrection matter?

Here’s the answer that came to me: everything Jesus did in his public ministry was something others had done before him. Nothing he did proved he was God.

• Jesus was a great teacher, but Moses gave us the Ten Commandments and the first five books of the Bible.
• Jesus fed the five thousand, but Elijah provided the widow with miraculously sustained oil during a drought (1 Kings 17:8–16).
• Jesus healed the sick, but Elisha healed the leprous Naaman (2 Kings 5).
• Jesus raised Lazarus and the widow’s son from the dead, but Elijah and Elisha raised the dead as well (1 Kings 17; 2 Kings 4).

None of Jesus’ miracles by themselves proved he was God, but his resurrection did.

When the women met the risen Christ on Easter Sunday, “they came up and took hold of his feet and worshiped him” (Matthew 28:9). When “doubting Thomas” met the risen Christ, he exclaimed, “My Lord and my God!” (John 20:28).

What about Lazarus and others raised from the dead in Scripture? Remember, they all died again. Here’s a significant distinction: they were resuscitated, not resurrected. Jesus, however, was truly resurrected, just like we shall be when he comes back on Judgment Day.

Jesus is the only person in history to die and then be resurrected, never to die again. His resurrection proves he is God. If he had simply gone from the cross to heaven, we would not know that. We would not have proof he is who he says he is: our Lord and King. Praise him today as Lord and King of your life.

How does his resurrection bring hope to your life?

Jesus is alive, which means he still hears you and can live in you.