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Holy Week: Sunday

Sunday


Here we are… the most emotionally whiplashed week in the disciple’s lives has come to a surprising realization. Resurrection Sunday. The most important Sunday in the world.


Key Scripture Passages for Resurrection Sunday can be found in Matthew 28:1–10, Mark 16:1–8, Luke 24:1–12, John 20:1–29, 1 Corinthians 15:1–22, 25:8, Psalm 16:10, and Romans 6:8–11.


Since most of you were in church this morning, let me just give you an outline of the events surrounding Jesus’ resurrection and a few themes and prayer focuses to round out the day! 


Timeline of Events (Approximate)

 

  1. Early Morning (Just Before Sunrise)

    1. Women visit the tomb to anoint Jesus’ body:

    2. Mary Magdalene

    3. Mary the mother of James

    4. Salome and possibly others (Matthew 28:1; Mark 16:1–2; Luke 24:1)

    5. The stone is rolled away, and the tomb is empty (Matthew 28:2; Mark 16:4)

    6. Angels appear, declaring: “He is not here, for He has risen, just as He said.” (Matthew 28:6)

 

  1. The First Appearances of the Risen Christ

  1. Jesus appears first to Mary Magdalene (John 20:11–18)

  2. She mistakes Him for the gardener at first

  3. Jesus calls her by name: “Mary.”

  4. He says: “Go to My brothers and tell them…”

  5. Jesus appears to the other women (Matthew 28:9–10)

  6. They fall at His feet and worship Him

 

  1. The Guards Report to the Chief Priests

    1. The guards trembled at the angel and fled

    2. The chief priests bribe them to spread the lie that Jesus’ body was stolen

      1. (Matthew 28:11–15)

 

  1. Jesus Appears to Two Disciples on the Road to Emmaus

    1. Found in Luke 24:13–35

    2. The disciples don’t recognize Him at first

    3. He opens the Scriptures to them, explaining how the Messiah must suffer and rise

    4. They recognize Him in the breaking of bread

    5. They rush back to Jerusalem to tell the others

 

5. Jesus Appears to the Disciples (Evening)

  1. Luke 24:36–49; John 20:19–23

  2. Jesus appears in the locked room

  3. He says: “Peace be with you.”

  4. He shows His hands and side, proving His resurrection

  5. He breathes on them, saying, “Receive the Holy Spirit.”

 

6. Later That Week: Appearance to Thomas

  1. John 20:24–29

  2. Thomas had not been present

  3. Jesus appears again and invites Thomas to touch His wounds

  4. Thomas declares: “My Lord and my God!”

  5. Jesus replies: “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”

 

Theological Significance of Resurrection Sunday

 

  1. Fulfillment of Prophecy

    1. Psalm 16:10 — “You will not let your Holy One see decay.”

    2. Isaiah 25:8 — “He will swallow up death forever.”


Jesus fulfilled His own prophecy: “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” (John 2:19)

 

  1. Victory Over Death

 

“Death has been swallowed up in victory.” — 1 Corinthians 15:54 Jesus conquered the grave, defeating sin, death, and hell.

 

  1. Guarantee of Our Resurrection

 

“Because He lives, we also will live.” (John 14:19)

“If we have been united with Him in a death like His, we will certainly also be united with Him in a resurrection like His.” (Romans 6:5)

 

  1. Validation of Jesus’ Identity and Mission

 

“[Jesus] was declared to be the Son of God in power… by His resurrection from the dead.”

— Romans 1:4

 

Devotional Focus for Resurrection Sunday

 

  1. Hope Restored

    1. Whatever is dead in your life—hope, joy, purpose—Jesus can resurrect.

 

  1. Faith Rekindled

    1. Resurrection proves that God finishes what He starts.


Even when Saturday is silent, Sunday is coming.

 

  1. Worship Renewed

    1. The right response is what the women and disciples did: fall at His feet and worship.

 

Prayer Focus for Resurrection Sunday


  • Thanksgiving: “Jesus, thank You for the cross and the empty tomb.”

  • Surrender: “Because You are risen, I give You my life without fear.”

  • Empowerment: “Let resurrection power fill me to live boldly for You.”

  • Hope: “Raise to life what is broken, lost, or hopeless in me.”

 

My prayer is that you will allow the victory of the resurrection to be present and palpable in your everyday life not just on Resurrection Sunday, but every day of the year! 

 

Thank you so much for joining me on this devotional journey though Holy Week, I pray that it has helped you understand more about the events surrounding the crucifixion and that it has highlighted the work of Jesus on the cross and victory of Jesus over the tomb in your life!

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