First Words of the Risen Christ
He is risen!
It struck me this Easter Sunday how I haven’t paid much attention to the first words of the risen Lord Jesus. There are many great resources, books, and sermons on the last words of Jesus on the cross, but little on his first words when he became the firstborn from the dead. So, let’s meditate on the first sayings of Christ on the day he rose from the dead. Each one brings us needed encouragement and exhortation.
“Greetings!” (Matt 28:9)
As the two Marys head to the tomb of Jesus, they see the stone has been rolled back. An angel declares, “He is not here. He’s risen just as he said!” So they head to tell the rest of the disciples—and they see Jesus. He says, “Greetings!” I love this from Jesus. “Hi!” How amazing it would have been—and is—to hear him greet us.
This “Hello!” from the Lord Jesus is packed with emotion. The word Jesus uses, chaírō, carries the idea of a pronouncement and infusion of joy: “Be full of joy!” “Rejoice!” “Be glad!”
The risen Christ speaks to us today: “Greetings! Be glad!” Why?
He is alive. He is with us. Sin is defeated. Satan is a guaranteed loser. We are forgiven. We are made new. We will rise again from the dead with him. The reasons to rejoice—the gospel and its fruits—span into eternity.
“Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.” (Mark 16:15)
These words from the risen Christ remind us that Easter makes us evangelists. The good news is too good to keep to ourselves. Christ’s death and resurrection must be heard all around the world. If you believe in Jesus, you are called to be an evangelist for Jesus. We receive the joy of the gospel and take it to the ends of the earth.
“What is this dispute that you’re having with each other as you are walking?” (Luke 24:17)
Luke tells us how two men were discussing the events of Easter weekend. They can’t believe what happened—literally. They thought Jesus was the one, but they didn’t get it. Jesus approaches them on the road to Emmaus, amazed at their disbelief, and begins his apologetic of his death and resurrection from all of Scripture. Jesus reminds us of the historical and biblical reasons to believe who he is and what he’s done. It is good for us to rejoice, evangelize, and explain Easter. Doubters need disciples to discuss and declare the good news.
“Woman,” Jesus said to her, “why are you crying? Who is it that you’re seeking?” (John 20:15)
Mary Magdalene is crying because Christ’s body is gone. She wants to know where he is. Like the rest of the disciples, it hasn’t clicked for her. Yet. So Jesus appears and speaks these words of comfort to her—and even says her name, “Mary.” The risen Christ wants to bring us comfort. Whatever sadness, heaviness, fears, and tears we carry, the living Jesus wants to bring us joy. He brings us hope. He is our life.
As Charles Spurgeon said, “Wipe your tears away, for Jesus is not in the grave; he rose again.”
He is risen indeed.