He is teaching about the significance of the resurrection - to people that did not believe in the concept:
31 But concerning the resurrection of the dead, have you not read what was spoken to you by God, saying,
32 'I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob'? God is not the God of the dead, but of the living."
33 And when the multitudes heard this, they were astonished at His teaching.
We also know that Jesus described Himself as the "resurrection and the life." Shortly before His body was bruised and His blood was spilled, He illustrated what was to come through the Lord's Supper, through communion. We reflect on the cruelty and the sufficiency of His death - sufficient to be a satisfactory sacrifice for our sins. And, not only did He pay the price, but He rose from the dead, making it possible for us not only to be forgiven, but to become new creatures in Christ. The events of Holy Week have personal significance for each of us, and we have the opportunity to consider more fully what He has done.
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In 1st Corinthians 15, Paul expresses the glorious hope of the resurrection of Christ. We can read:
13 But if there is no resurrection of the dead, then Christ is not risen.
14 And if Christ is not risen, then our preaching is empty and your faith is also empty.
15 Yes, and we are found false witnesses of God, because we have testified of God that He raised up Christ, whom He did not raise up--if in fact the dead do not rise.
16 For if the dead do not rise, then Christ is not risen.
17 And if Christ is not risen, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins!
Easter is such an important holiday - without the resurrection, then we simply have a Good Friday funeral. Without the resurrection, Christmas loses its impact.
This coming Sunday, Christians across America and around the world will celebrate our risen Lord on Easter Sunday. And, that celebration, according to a new study by WalletHub, will be drawing people to church.
The survey says that 81% of Americans plan to celebrate Easter and 50.5% say they plan to attend church this Sunday. Easter is rated as the most popular church day, ahead of Christmas and Mother's Day.
The survey also notes that 71% of those surveyed identified as Christians.
Easter is a holiday that yields quite a bit of spending, as well, with 18.2 billion dollars expected to be spent this year. 5.7 billion will be spent on food, 2.9 billion on gifts, and 2.6 billion on candy.
Easter is certainly a time of families and friends getting together, perhaps to share a meal. Just over 6-in-10 plan to visit family and friends on Easter. Just under 6-in-10 plan to cook an Easter meal.
The WalletHub summary states:
For individual Christians, this is a time not only for consideration and communication, but also cooperation. The death and resurrection of Christ are central truths that unite us. We can boldly demonstrate to the world that He is Lord and that He expresses Himself through His people, His body - the visible manifestation of our Savior to a world that needs to see His light.
This coming Sunday, Christians across America and around the world will celebrate our risen Lord on Easter Sunday. And, that celebration, according to a new study by WalletHub, will be drawing people to church.
The survey says that 81% of Americans plan to celebrate Easter and 50.5% say they plan to attend church this Sunday. Easter is rated as the most popular church day, ahead of Christmas and Mother's Day.
The survey also notes that 71% of those surveyed identified as Christians.
Easter is a holiday that yields quite a bit of spending, as well, with 18.2 billion dollars expected to be spent this year. 5.7 billion will be spent on food, 2.9 billion on gifts, and 2.6 billion on candy.
Easter is certainly a time of families and friends getting together, perhaps to share a meal. Just over 6-in-10 plan to visit family and friends on Easter. Just under 6-in-10 plan to cook an Easter meal.
The WalletHub summary states:
Easter also is a big donation day for U.S. churches, thanks to the year’s highest attendance rates. It’s a significant revenue-driver for companies in the candy business. And it’s a source of divisiveness for those who feel strongly about the best way to eat a chocolate bunny or the best filling for a chocolate egg.This is certainly a big day for the Church, because it gives us the opportunity to consider what Jesus has done for us and to communicate His hope to the world. And, in this special season, even amidst the secular celebration, it might appear that the world just may be paying attention. The resurrection of Christ represents to people the hope of new life, the invitation into an exciting relationship with a risen Savior. While Good Friday commemorates His death, which is very important, we can experience life transformation because Jesus defeated death - He is risen and alive this very moment. And, He lives in the hearts of His people.
For individual Christians, this is a time not only for consideration and communication, but also cooperation. The death and resurrection of Christ are central truths that unite us. We can boldly demonstrate to the world that He is Lord and that He expresses Himself through His people, His body - the visible manifestation of our Savior to a world that needs to see His light.
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