The Unique Resurrection Of Jesus (1)

The fact that Jesus arose from the dead isn’t what makes Him unique. The Bible records other resurrections, both before and after His. Yet in two amazing ways His resurrection was unlike any other; let’s look at them:

(1) His was the only resurrection foretold in advance. David prophesied of Jesus: ‘For You will not leave My soul among the dead or allow your holy one to rot in the grave.’ (Psalm 16:10 NLT) And Isaiah foretold life for Him beyond His crucifixion. ‘When you make His soul an offering for sin… He shall prolong His days.’ (Isaiah 53:10 NKJV) Jesus actually forecast His resurrection from death. ‘Jesus began to explain to His disciples that He must go to Jerusalem… be killed and on the third day be raised to life.’ (Matthew 16:21 NIV)

(2) Only Jesus had the authority to take up His life again. His enemies saw Him as a helpless victim of their determined efforts to rid the world of Him and His mission. But they were wrong on all counts! He said, ‘No one can take My life from me. I sacrifice it voluntarily. For I have the authority to lay it down when I want to and also to take it up again.’ (John 10:18 NLT) All of Rome’s might and the hatred of his Jewish persecutors couldn’t eliminate Jesus or nullify His cause. He needed no help. In His death and in His resurrection, He was always in control. ‘Destroy this temple [My body], and in three days I will raise it up.’ (John 2:19 NLT) And God did! He’s alive forevermore!