The Hope of Resurrection

Firstfruits of the Dead

The tomb was empty. The stone was rolled away. Christ had risen—not merely returned, but transformed. And with His resurrection began something entirely new: a new creation, a new humanity, a new destiny.

The Apostle Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 15:20–23:

“But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive. But each in turn: Christ, the firstfruits; then, when He comes, those who belong to Him.”

This language of “firstfruits” is rich with biblical meaning. In the Old Testament, the first portion of the harvest was offered to God—it was the beginning, the guarantee, the promise of more to come. So when Paul says that Christ is the firstfruits of the dead, he is declaring that Jesus’ resurrection is not a solitary event. It is the beginning of the resurrection of all who are in Him.

Matthew Henry writes,

“Christ’s resurrection is not only a proof of His divine power but a pledge of ours. He is not raised as a private person, but as the firstfruits—as a public figure for all believers.”

This is the breathtaking promise of Easter:

Jesus did not rise alone. He rose ahead of us.

Because He conquered death, we will too. Not just metaphorically, but bodily. The very same Holy Spirit who raised Jesus from the dead will also give life to our mortal bodies (Romans 8:10-11). We will not be ghosts or disembodied souls—we will be fully alive, resurrected into incorruptible, glorified bodies, fit for eternal communion with God.

Paul continues in 1 Corinthians 15:42–44:

“So will it be with the resurrection of the dead. The body that is sown is perishable, it is raised imperishable… It is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body.”

Alexander Maclaren reflects on this hope:

“The grave has changed its meaning because Jesus lay there. It is now a sowing ground, not a prison. The resurrection is not an anomaly—it is the first chapter of what is to come.”

The resurrection of Jesus is not only a past event—it is our future hope and present power. In Christ, death is no longer a final curtain but a doorway. The One who descended into death and rose again now leads many sons and daughters to glory (Hebrews 2:10).

And so we wait—not in despair, but in confident expectation. Christ has gone before us. He is the firstfruits, and we are the harvest.

Prayer

Risen Lord Jesus,

You are the firstfruits of those who sleep.

You have broken the curse of Adam and opened the way to eternal life.

Give us faith to trust in Your promise, courage to face death without fear, and joy to live as people of the resurrection.

May we walk in the power of Your risen life, knowing that what You began, You will bring to completion.

Amen.

Soli Deo Gloria

Breaking the Chains of Death

Our Redeemer’s Journey

The Depths of Christ’s Love

Christ’s Descent and Rising Glory

For three days, Jesus’ body lay in the tomb—still, silent, lifeless. To the world, it looked like the end. But the Gospel tells us it was not defeat; it was the quiet unfolding of a greater victory.

While His body rested in the grave, His spirit descended into the realm of the dead—what Scripture refers to as Sheol or Hades. This descent was not surrender, but a mission of triumph. It was not the absence of power, but the declaration that even death must bow before Him.

The Apostle Peter writes:

“He was put to death in the body but made alive in the Spirit. After being made alive, He went and made proclamation to the imprisoned spirits.” (1 Peter 3:18–19)

The early Church didn’t interpret this as confusion or speculation, but as proclamation. Christ entered the domain of the dead not as a victim but as a liberator, announcing that the curse of sin and death had been broken.

Matthew Henry writes,

“Christ’s soul was not left in hell—that is, in the state of the dead. He went there to break open its gates, not to be held by them.”

This sacred mystery is often called the Harrowing of Hell. Ancient depictions show Christ breaking the gates of Hades and lifting Adam, Eve, and the faithful from their graves into the light. It’s not just art—it’s a vivid portrayal of theological truth: the grave became a passage, not a prison.

The Apostle Paul echoes this in Ephesians 4:9–10:

“What does ‘He ascended’ mean except that He also descended to the lower, earthly regions?… in order to fill the whole universe.”

And in Revelation 1:18, the risen Christ proclaims:

“I am the Living One; I was dead, and now look, I am alive forever and ever! And I hold the keys of Death and Hades.”

This descent was part of a much bigger story—one Jesus hinted at in John 2:19:

“Destroy this temple, and I will raise it again in three days.”

At the time, the people thought He meant the physical temple in Jerusalem. But John clarifies:

“The temple He had spoken of was His body.” (John 2:21)

William Barclay writes,

“Jesus was claiming that the function of the Temple was finished. His own life and body were now the dwelling place of God. In Him, we meet God—not in buildings, but in His risen presence.”

Jesus, the true Temple, was “destroyed” on the cross. But just as He promised, He was raised on the third day—not simply restored, but glorified, inaugurating a new creation. As Alexander Maclaren put it:

“He made the tomb a passage, not a prison. The body laid down is the seed of what shall rise incorruptible.”

This descent also brings to mind the sign of Jonah, which Jesus Himself referenced in Matthew 12:40:

“For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish, so the Son of Man will be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.”

Just as Jonah passed through judgment to bring salvation, so Jesus entered the depths—not merely for display, but for deliverance.

He experienced the full measure of death—body, soul, and spirit—not because He had to, but because we could not bear it ourselves. He walked through the silence, the sorrow, and the separation, so we would never be abandoned there.

Paul writes in Romans 6:4:

“We were buried with Him through baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.”

And again in 2 Corinthians 5:17:

“If anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!”

The descent into death is not a theological footnote. It is part of the good news:

Jesus has gone to the lowest depths—and come back holding the keys.

Because He descended, we can face death unafraid.

Because He was raised, we will rise.

Because He is the true Temple, God is now with us always.

Prayer

Lord Jesus,

You entered the depths of death, not as a prisoner but as our champion.

You proclaimed freedom to those who sat in darkness, and You shattered the gates that held us.

Raise us into Your life. Rebuild us as Your temple. Let resurrection power flow in us.

May we trust You in every shadow, knowing You’ve already walked through it—and triumphed.

Amen.

Soli Deo Gloria

Within Our Darkest Night

Faith in the Shadows

“Later, Joseph of Arimathea asked Pilate for the body of Jesus… With Pilate’s permission, he came and took the body away. He was accompanied by Nicodemus… Taking Jesus’ body, the two of them wrapped it, with the spices, in strips of linen… Because it was the Jewish day of Preparation and since the tomb was nearby, they laid Jesus there.” — John 19:38–42 (NIV)

The day ends in sorrow. Jesus is dead. The Light of the world seems extinguished. The cross now stands empty, and silence settles like dusk over the land. And yet, in this quiet moment, unexpected tenderness rises.

Joseph of Arimathea, once a secret disciple, now steps forward in courage. Nicodemus, who came to Jesus under the cover of night, brings a hundred pounds of spices—an extravagant, sorrowful offering of love. Together, they do what others could not bear to do. They touch the bruised body of Christ, wrap Him in linen, and lay Him in a garden tomb.

Matthew Henry wrote, “The grave is sanctified to all believers by Christ’s lying in it.” Even death itself has been transformed.

Alexander Maclaren notes, “The hands that anointed Him for burial were guided by love. Their silent service bore witness that faith had not died with Jesus.”

There is no sermon, no song, no miracle here—only faithful love in the face of grief. And yet, it is precisely here—in the stillness of death—that God is preparing resurrection.

Within our darkest night, God is still at work.

William Barclay observes, “Even in death, Jesus drew people to Him.” The boldness of Joseph and the devotion of Nicodemus remind us: it is never too late to step out of the shadows and draw near to Jesus.

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, even in the silence of death, You were held in love. Thank You for transforming the grave into a place of hope. Teach me to trust You in the dark, to serve You in the quiet, and to believe that even now, You are at work. Amen.

Soli Deo Gloria

The Crucifixion

Reflection on Luke 23:13–43

“Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” — Luke 23:34 (NIV)

Luke’s account of Jesus’ crucifixion is both tragic and triumphant. It opens with Jesus condemned though innocent, mocked though holy, and crucified between two criminals. Yet, within this agony, we hear some of Jesus’ most powerful words—words of forgiveness, promise, and grace.

The Innocent Condemned

Pontius Pilate declares, “I have found in him no grounds for the death penalty” (Luke 23:22), yet gives in to the crowd’s demands. The justice system collapses under pressure, and Jesus, the sinless Lamb, is sentenced to die.

“He was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification.” — Romans 4:25

The Power of Forgiveness

As Jesus is nailed to the cross, He speaks not words of vengeance, but mercy:

“Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” — Luke 23:34

In this prayer, Jesus embodies the heart of the gospel. He intercedes for those who mock, torture, and execute Him.

Charles Spurgeon wrote: “This was the first word of the cross—‘forgive.’ It is the keynote of redemption.”

The Mocking Crowd

The rulers scoff. Soldiers ridicule. A criminal beside Him taunts. Yet Jesus does not answer insult with insult. Instead, He continues in silence, suffering not only physically, but emotionally and spiritually.

“When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate… He entrusted himself to him who judges justly.” — 1 Peter 2:23

The Repentant Thief

Amid this darkness, one voice rises in faith. The second thief, convicted and dying, confesses his guilt and appeals to Jesus:

“Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” — Luke 23:42

Jesus replies, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise” (v.43). In the last moments of his life, the thief receives eternal life—not by works, but by grace.

Henri Nouwen said: “The cross is the place where the greatest pain and the greatest love meet.”

Eugene Peterson adds: “Jesus didn’t wait until the resurrection to give hope. From the cross, in agony, He opened the door to paradise.”

The Cross as the Turning Point

At the cross, the worst of human sin meets the best of divine love. Jesus does not merely suffer for us—He suffers with us. And even in His dying breath, He extends the hope of life.

A Personal Response

The criminal on the cross reminds us that it’s never too late. No one is too far gone. In our deepest guilt and brokenness, if we turn to Jesus, He meets us with mercy.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, thank You for bearing my sin and shame. Thank You for the mercy You showed on the cross. Help me to live in gratitude, trusting Your grace, and extending Your forgiveness to others. Amen.

Soli Deo Gloria