Over 2,000 years ago, a single weekend forever changed the course of human history. It was the weekend when death was defeated, hope was restored.
The story begins on Friday, as described in Mark 15:25-37. At nine in the morning, Jesus was crucified alongside two criminals. The people mocked Him, ridiculing His claim to destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days. Even the religious leaders jeered, sarcastically challenging Him to save Himself if He truly was the Messiah. At noon, darkness fell over the land, and at three in the afternoon, Jesus cried out, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” Moments later, He gave up His spirit and died.
At the moment Jesus breathed His last, something extraordinary happened. As recorded in Luke 27:51-52, 54, the curtain in the temple was torn in two from top to bottom, symbolizing that the barrier between God and man was removed. The earth shook, rocks split, and graves opened as holy people were raised to life. Even the Roman centurion, witnessing these events, exclaimed in awe, “Surely He was the Son of God!” Jesus was dead, and His body was placed in a tomb.
Imagine the scene in the spiritual realm. Satan and his demons must have celebrated what they thought was their ultimate victory. The Messiah was dead. Humanity, it seemed, was doomed to remain enslaved to sin and death forever.
But what they didn’t realize was that Sunday was coming!
Early on Sunday morning, as detailed in Matthew 28:1-10, Mary Magdalene and another Mary went to visit Jesus’ tomb. Suddenly, a violent earthquake occurred as an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and rolled the stone away. The angel declared, “He isn’t here! He is risen from the dead, just as He said would happen.” Filled with awe and joy, the women ran to tell the disciples, and on their way, they encountered the risen Jesus. Falling at His feet, they worshiped Him, and He reassured them, “Don’t be afraid. Go and tell my brothers.”
The resurrection of Jesus was the ultimate victory over sin, death, and the power of the enemy. As Acts 2:24 declares, “God raised Him from the dead, putting an end to the agony of death, since it was impossible for Him to be held in its power.” But why couldn’t death hold Jesus?
The Bible explains that death entered the world through sin (Romans 5:12) and that the wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23). However, Jesus was without sin (1 Peter 2:22) and therefore not subject to the penalty of death. Instead, He bore our sins on the cross, taking our punishment upon Himself (1 Peter 2:24). His one act of righteousness made it possible for all who believe to be made right with God (Romans 5:18-19).
Salvation is available to everyone who calls on the name of the Lord. As Romans 10:9-10, 13 states, if you declare Jesus as Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. This free gift of eternal life is made possible through Jesus Christ.
If you’ve never received this gift of salvation, you can do so today by praying a simple prayer:
"Jesus, I believe You are the Son of God, and I believe You died for me. I believe You rose from the grave to bring me life and freedom. I confess that I am a sinner. Forgive me for my sins. I give You my life. Be my Savior and my Lord. Come into my heart, Jesus, and change me from the inside out. Thank You for saving me and giving me a new life."
Congratulations! If you prayed that prayer, the angels in heaven are celebrating you. Luke 15:10 says, “There is joy in the presence of God’s angels when even one sinner repents.”
What’s next? Find a Bible-believing church where you can grow in your faith and connect with others. Start reading your Bible—begin with the Gospel of John and the Psalms. And talk to God daily. He wants a relationship with you and will guide you every step of the way.