The Bridegroom Rises
On Resurrection Sunday we celebrate the most profound event in human history—the resurrection of Jesus Christ. I want to remind you that every day is Resurrection Sunday for those of us who have surrendered our lives to Jesus, but on this day we pause to rejoice in the victory that changed everything. The resurrection is not just a story from the past; it’s an invitation into a personal, intimate relationship with our Savior. Let’s explore what this means for us.
Jesus Came Back for You
My first point emphasizes the fact that Jesus didn’t just conquer the grave—He came back for you. After walking through a life of service, suffering, and a brutal death, Jesus could have simply ascended to heaven and left it at that. But He didn’t. Instead, He rose from the dead with a purpose: to restore His relationship with each of us.
In John 20:11-18, we see that Jesus first appears to Mary Magdalene, a woman with a checkered past, who was often overlooked by society. Yet, Jesus calls her by name, and in that moment, her eyes are opened. The resurrection becomes personal when Jesus speaks your name. It’s not just a historical event; it’s an invitation to hear His voice and recognize His love for you. The resurrection is about relationship—Jesus seeking out individuals, calling us by name, and restoring us to Himself.
Think of it like a soldier returning home from deployment, scanning the crowd for one face—the face of his bride. When he sees her, everything else fades away. That’s what Jesus did for us. He crossed an ocean of death, braved storms of sin, and returned to bring us home. His goal? That no one would be left behind. The resurrection is a declaration that Jesus rose to bring us into His eternal embrace.
The Resurrection Is a Wedding Invitation
Our second point is that the resurrection is a wedding invitation. The empty tomb isn’t just a sign of life; it’s a call to love. The resurrection signifies that Jesus still desires relationship with us. Just as a bride is prepared and adorned for her bridegroom, we are being made ready for union with Christ.
Romans 6:5 reminds us that through baptism, we are united with Him in His death and resurrection. This union isn’t just symbolic; it’s a profound spiritual reality. His triumph becomes our testimony, His victory our new life. The resurrection is the doorway into a new, transformed existence—one rooted in grace, not performance.
Imagine the ancient betrothal customs: a groom preparing a place for his bride, returning when everything is ready, and calling her to join him. That’s the imagery Jesus used when He said, “I go to prepare a place for you” (John 14:3). The empty tomb signals that His preparations are complete, and He’s coming back to take us into eternal union. It’s a wedding celebration—an invitation to be part of a love story that never ends.
The Risen Christ Desires Surrender, Not Performance
Finally, I want to highlight that Jesus desires surrender, not performance. He’s not waiting for us to get everything perfect before He welcomes us. His grace is a gift, not a reward for being good enough. The story of the prodigal son illustrates this beautifully: the father runs to his broken son, throws a robe around him, and throws a feast—no questions asked.
Similarly, John Newton’s story reminds us that Jesus rises to redeem the broken and the lost. Newton, once a captain of a slave ship, found grace during a storm at sea. His life was transformed from cruelty to compassion, and he penned the hymn “Amazing Grace.” His story shows that Jesus doesn’t wait for us to be perfect; He runs to us in our mess, offering redemption and new life.
In Revelation 21:2-4, we see the bride prepared as a pure, spotless bride, not because of her own merit, but because of the love and grace of the bridegroom. The resurrection is an invitation to surrender—an open door to receive His love and be transformed.
So, What Will You Do?
Today, the question remains: what will you do with Jesus? The resurrection is a declaration that Jesus is alive, that He carries your shame, and that He’s calling your name. It’s not about joining a church or fixing your life first; it’s about responding with a wholehearted “yes” to His love.
He’s risen, and He’s calling you into a relationship that transforms, restores, and invites you into eternal union. Will you answer His call? Will you surrender your heart and accept His love? The choice is yours, but remember—His love has already said yes to you.
Let today be the day you respond to the greatest love story ever told. Jesus is alive, and He’s waiting to bring you home.
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