Exploring The Virtues Of His Ressurection - Matthew 27:32-66

It is funny how year in year out, we all celebrate Easter (which marks the death and the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ) without understanding the deep meaning and the relevance of the resurrection. We must consider the efficacy and benefits of the

resurrection of Christ. This is most extraordinary, and therefore Paul was so desirous and continually occupied in reflecting upon the resurrection of Christ.  “That I may know Him, and the power of His resurrection” (Phil. 3:10).

There is more to Easter than just celebration or looking forward to the Easter holidays, it's a time to reflect on the work of Christ on the cross and appreciate all that he had to go through for us.

Our main text is taken from the book of Matthew 27:32-66, we can see how Jesus was falsely accused and sentenced to a shameful death on the cross. Looking at this scripture, we can identify some major points of the sacrifice of Jesus.

v        He was falsely accused, despised and rejected by the same people He loves

v        He was beaten and bruised deeply

v        He took upon Himself the task of taking up our sins

v        He was ridiculed and humiliated by His creation (man)

v        Christ took away sicknesses, infirmities and curses

v        He granted us victory over death

Why should we take the resurrection of Jesus Christ sacred? The resurrection itself is a mark of confirmation of the true identity of our Lord based on how often He talked about it when he was on earth with His disciples. It also gives us the confidence that our faith in Him is not in vain 1 Corinthians 15:13-17

What are the benefits of Christ's resurrection?

The first Benefit is JUSTIFICATION.

“But for us also, to whom it shall be imputed, if we believe on Him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead, who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification” (Rom. 4:24–25).

As long as the Surety (Jesus Christ) still suffered and death had power over Him, the final penny had not as yet been paid. His conquering of the last enemy, death, and His triumphant appearance as being alive, were proofs that sin had been fully atoned for, the ransom had been paid, God's justice had been satisfied (being satisfied with this atonement), and that thus the Surety was justified (1 Tim. 3:16).

 Consequently all God's children have been reconciled with Him. There is not one sin, not even the least part thereof, for which satisfaction has not been made, and therefore they are free from all guilt and punishment. If someone senses the dreadfulness of guilt and punishment, views God as being provoked by sin so that there is no peace but only terror within the conscience (to such justification is most desirable), let him then turn to God in humility while pleading upon the resurrection of Christ from the dead (1 Pet. 3:21) by faith, until he experiences the power of Christ's resurrection unto his justification and being at peace with God.

The second Benefit is SANCTIFICATION

Apostle Paul demonstrates this in Romans 6:4–5, “Therefore we are buried with Him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life, for if we have been buried together in the likeness of His death, we shall be also in the likeness of His resurrection” (Rom. 6:5).

The apostle emphasizes this also when he states, “And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath He quickened together with Him, having forgiven you all trespasses” (Col. 2:13); “If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above” (Col. 3:1).

The whole desire and life of believers is to discern the image of God within themselves, to be conformed to that image, united with Him and to live in Him - that is their salvation. They cannot but find delight in knowing God, in loving Him, in fearing Him, being subject to Him (in thoughts, words, and deeds) which is fully and entirely in agreement with His will. Sin is therefore an abomination to them.

Sanctification therefore is a work of grace that begins with total surrender to the Holy Spirit and a willingness to trust God in total obedience in everything.

The third benefit is the blessed RESURRECTION OF BELIEVERS, hope of eternity

It is God's way to lead His children to heaven by way of many crosses (no longer a physical cross but we bearing our crosses through sacrificial living). This is not a punishment upon sin as such, but is nevertheless a difficult and painful way which they must traverse together with all men. Their death, however, by virtue of the death of Christ, is without sting and curse, and thus is but a departing in peace.

In consequence of Christ's resurrection, they will be resurrected unto salvation.

“But if the Spirit of Him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, He (the Father) that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by His Spirit that dwelleth in you” (Rom. 8:11)

“But now is Christ . . . become the first fruits” (1 Cor. 15:20); “And He is . . . the firstborn from the dead; that in all things He might have the pre-eminence” (Col. 1:18).

The entire congregation of Christ, being members of His body, must therefore arise so that the entire mystical body of Christ may live. Believers may and must apply this to themselves and rejoice in the hope of glory, saying, “For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens” (2 Cor. 5:1). They may also say with Job, “For I know that my Redeemer liveth, and that He shall stand at the latter day upon the earth: and though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God: whom I shall see for myself, and mine eyes shall behold, and not another; though my reins be consumed within me” (Job 19:25–27).

Conclusion

Let Christ's resurrection therefore, motivate you to live a holy life. This is taught by Apostle Paul, “Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord, for if we have been planted together in the likeness of His death, we shall be also in the likeness of His resurrection” (Rom. 6:11, 5).

-Pastor Kayode Badejoh