Firstborn From the Dead

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Firstborn From the Dead

The record of the death and resurrection of Jesus is a compelling story. Even more fascinating is the significance the New Testament ascribes to these events. The books of the New Testament have probably been scrutinized for their authenticity more than any other historical documents, and rightly so, because the authors of these accounts have made claims that who Jesus was, what he did and especially what he said are of unparalleled importance to every person on the planet.

The New Testament writers endeavor to make sure that we know that they are writing history. They are relating eyewitness accounts of the life and times of Jesus as he walked through Galilee, Judea and the surrounding areas. Of particular note in this regard are the following two passages, one from Luke and the other from John.

"Inasmuch as many have taken in hand to set in order a narrative of those things which have been fulfilled among us, just as those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word delivered them to us, it seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write to you an orderly account… that you may know the certainty of those things in which you were instructed." (Luke 1:1-4)

"And truly Jesus did many other signs in the presence of His disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name." (John 20:30-31)

So, when it comes to the resurrection of Jesus, the New Testament writers want to leave no room to doubt that Jesus was actually raised from death to life. John is especially concerned that we believe his testimony concerning the death of Jesus (see John 19:33-35). Luke lets us know that there were many witnesses to this event. He tells us,

“When all the people who had gathered to witness this sight saw what took place, they beat their breasts and went away. But all those who knew him, including the women who had followed him from Galilee, stood at a distance, watching these things.” (Luke 23:48-49 NIV)

Even the man who took the body of Jesus down from the cross and wrapped it in linen and placed it in a tomb is notated with great detail. There is no reason to doubt that Luke wanted to convey real historical facts. So, let’s consider what the eyewitnesses had to say about the resurrection of Jesus. All four of the gospel writers, Matthew, Mark, Luke and John report the event. The Apostles, Peter and Paul, also reference the event in their writings.

It was early Sunday morning, the first day of the week. There were at least four women, if not more, that went to the tomb to care for the body of Jesus with spices and fragrant oils they had prepared. On the way, they wondered who would roll away the stone they had seen placed over the entrance to the tomb. When they got there, the stone had already been rolled away. Two men in glistening white robes were there (angels are often described in the scriptures as men).

The angels asked the women a question. “Why do you seek the living among the dead?” There are at least a couple of things we can infer from this question. First, the women believed that Jesus was dead. These women had been at the crucifixion scene and followed Joseph of Arimathea after he took Jesus down from the cross and observed where he laid him in the tomb. I know there are those who don’t believe that Jesus actually died from being crucified. The women who were there certainly did. Secondly, the dead are to be found in their graves. This latter point may sound silly but there are many who believe that the dead are actually alive in another sphere of existence. We can surmise from this question that the angels, on the scene, believed those who are dead are in their graves.

That is not all that the angels had to say to the women. The angels informed them “he is risen, just as he said.” Jesus had said prior to the crucifixion “The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again.” (Luke 24:7) Jesus had predicted his own death and resurrection.

After Jesus rose again from the dead he appeared to many people. In addition to the accounts given to us in the gospels, that tell of him appearing to the apostles and other disciples, Luke tells us in Acts 1:2-3 that Jesus “presented himself alive after his suffering by many infallible proofs, being seen by them (the apostles) during forty days”… During this forty days Jesus taught them many things concerning the Kingdom of God and gave them some very specific commands. He also “opened their understanding that they might comprehend the Scriptures (Luke 24:45).” The importance of this should not be underestimated. The apostles began their teaching ministries primarily to the Jews. It was of absolute importance that they be able to show, from the Hebrew Scriptures, how the Messiah had to suffer and die and then be raised to life and given immortality. Comprehending the Scriptures today is no small matter for us either.

Jesus showed himself alive to many others besides the apostles he had chosen. On the day of his resurrection he appeared to Mary Magdalene and to two disciples on the road to Emmaus. The Apostle Paul wrote “he was seen by over five hundred brothers at one time.” (1 Corinthians 15:6 NIV). Certainly, this was an event that supercharged those who had heard his message.

The recorded words of Jesus after he rose from the dead are absolutely astounding. Has anyone ever, before or after, made a claim like this, “All authority has been given unto me in heaven and on earth” (Matthew 28:18)? Peter tells us in his epistle that Jesus has now “gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, with angels, authorities and powers made subject unto him” (1 Peter 3:22). The Greek word translated "authority" in Matthew 28:18 is "exousia". Sometimes it is translated “power” sometimes “authority”. One of the definitions given in Thayer’s Greek Lexicon is “the power of authority.” Another is the “power of rule or government.” Jesus claimed that this power, the power and authority to rule, was given unto him. It was not inherently his—God gave it to him (Matt. 11:27, 1 Co. 15:27, Eph. 1:17-22, Heb. 2:8). Hebrews 2:8 goes on to say, “But now we do not yet see all things put under him.” Because we don’t yet see all things put under him many choose not to believe. However, the day is coming when every eye shall behold him and every tongue shall confess his lordship.

When Jesus made his announcement, recorded in Matt. 28, that all authority had been given unto him, he also gave some commandments to his disciples. He said, “Go and make disciples of all nations… teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you.” The apostles did that very thing. We read throughout the book of “The Acts of the Apostles” how they went about preaching, teaching, baptizing and laying their hands on people and healing them. God chose to use Peter first to bring the gospel to the gentiles (Acts 10, and 15:7). We find Peter telling Cornelius and his household that Jesus “commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that it is he who was ordained by God to be Judge of the living and the dead” (Acts 10:42). Testifying that God has appointed Jesus to be the Judge of the living and the dead is a command that extends to all who are in Christ. (see Matthew 28:20).

Jesus has risen from death. He now lives, never to die again. Colossians 1:18 states that he is “the firstborn from the dead”. There are numerous people that we read about in the Old and New Testaments that were brought back to life after having died. However, they all died again. Jesus is the first to be raised from death to life who will never die again. He proclaims in Revelation 1:18 “I am He who lives, and was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore.” No one else can make that claim—yet.

We can rejoice and celebrate today that Jesus overcame the grave! Why? Because God has demonstrated that His gospel is trustworthy. He will raise to life those who trust in Him, those who believe His words given to us through Jesus. Because, even though the wages of sin is death, we can be saved from that penalty through the gospel. “The gospel is the power of God unto salvation, to everyone who believes... The Just shall live by faith (Rom. 1:16-17). “But now Christ is risen from the dead, and has become the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep (1 Co. 15:20).” “So when this corruptible has put on incorruption, and this mortal has put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written: ‘Death is swallowed up in victory’ (1 Co. 15:54).”

Firstborn From the Dead mp3

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