If there were newspapers 2000 years ago, headlines like these would most likely have appeared. For example: On the front page of the Jerusalem Gazette were the words – “SUNDAY HAS COME!” The opening statement to the article reads, “Three days after the death and burial of Jesus of Nazareth, it has been reported by three local women that the tomb where He was buried was empty! The women, still carrying little satchels of spices to anoint Jesus’ body, reported that there were two angels in the tomb, who spoke to them.” Luke, our Reporter of Extraordinary Happenings, has the full details.”
Or the front-page headline of The Star Press that reads, “Man Defies Death!” Their opening statement is, “Jesus of Nazareth is raised to life three days after He was crucified on unsubstantiated charges.” It goes on to say, “The chief priests and the Pharisees were in an uproar over this and adament that the tomb be sealed to prevent His disciples from stealing His body to which Pilot gave them permission.” The article goes on to say, “See the special news insert for full details of this phenominal event!”
Then there is The Jerusalem Tribune’s headline that reads, “Major Earthquake Causes Major Attention!” Their opening line reads, “The seismic quake shakes the area around Jerusalem for the second time – just three days after the first earthquake that occured during an eerie darkness, causing rocks to split open, many bodies of the followers of Jesus were raised to life, and the curtain in the Temple was torn in two from top to bottom!” It goes on to say, “Matthew, our Special Event News Reporter has the full story in his column.”
“It is finished!” were not words of defeat. They are words of victory! Jesus accomplished the mission He was given by the Father – to pay the penalty of sin of all mankind. The Righteous for the unrighteous. Once for all. The Son shines as the Light of the world!
People of today are privileged to read all about the details of Jesus – who He is, where He came from, and what He has done, the full account of His trials, death on the cross, and His bodily resurrection. The totality of who, what, when, where, and why of Jesus is found in all four gosples Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.
Jesus defeated Satan! He is victorious over death! Jesus overcame the world! He did all this in one day!! Without the help of man. The only thing man contributed to Jesus’ crucifixtion is his sin which necessitated the shedding of Christ’s blood. Hebrews 9:22 says, “Wthout the shedding of blood, there is no forgiveness of sins.”
We are the reporters of today when we procclaim:
JESUS IS RISEN! HE IS RISEN INDEED AND LIVES
AND REIGNS FROM ON HIGH!
ALL PRAISE TO THE KING OF KINGS!
ALL GLORY TO THE LORD OF LORDS!