The resurrection of Jesus Christ is not only the climax of the Gospel story—it is the cornerstone of Christian faith. From the joyous cries of “Hosanna!” to the thunderous silence of the grave, and ultimately to the roaring glory of an empty tomb, this Holy Week reflects both the depth of human suffering and the unmatched glory of divine love and victory.

Palm Sunday: The Humble King Enters Jerusalem

As Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey, the crowds laid palm branches before Him, shouting:

“Hosanna! ‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!’” (Matthew 21:9, NKJV)

This moment fulfilled prophecy (Zechariah 9:9) and set the stage for a spiritual revolution. Yet, behind the joyful shouts was the foreshadowing of betrayal, rejection, and death.

Betrayal, Denial, and the Agony of the Cross

Within days, those same crowds that welcomed Jesus would cry, “Crucify Him!” Judas, one of His own disciples, would betray Him for silver (Matthew 26:14–16). Peter, once bold, would deny Him three times before the rooster crowed (Luke 22:61–62). At His trial, Jesus was falsely accused, mocked, beaten, and handed over to be crucified—a sinless Savior condemned by sinful men.

“He was led as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before its shearers is silent, so He opened not His mouth.” (Isaiah 53:7, NKJV)

On the cross, Jesus bore the weight of humanity’s sin. He cried out:

“My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” (Matthew 27:46, NKJV)

And with His final breath, He declared:

“It is finished!” (John 19:30, NKJV)

The Burial and the Mystery of Three Days in the Grave

Jesus was buried in a borrowed tomb, and a stone sealed the entrance. But why was Jesus in the grave for three days?

This wasn’t random—it was prophetic fulfillment and divine symbolism. Jesus Himself said:

“For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish, so will the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.” (Matthew 12:40, NKJV)

This directly mirrors Jonah 1:17, pointing to resurrection power. The number three in Scripture often symbolizes completion, divine fulfillment, and resurrection.

The Significance of the Number Three in the Bible

Throughout Scripture, the number three appears in powerful patterns that reveal God’s nature and His redemptive plan:

• The Trinity – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19)

• Jesus in the Grave for Three Days – A divine timeline of death defeated (Hosea 6:2)

• Three Temptations of Jesus – Victory over sin (Luke 4:1–13)

• Peter Denied Jesus Three Times – And was restored with three affirmations of love (John 21:15–17)

• Three Prayers in Gethsemane – Representing total surrender to God’s will (Matthew 26:44)

• Three Crosses on Calvary – Representing judgment, mercy, and redemption (Luke 23:32–33)

Three days wasn’t just a prophecy—it was God’s perfect timing, showing that what He starts, He finishes. On the third day, life triumphed over death.

A Glimpse of Life After Death: The Transfiguration

Another powerful moment of foreshadowing the resurrection and life after death is found in the Transfiguration:

“And behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them, talking with Him.” (Matthew 17:3, NKJV)

Jesus stood on the mountain with Moses and Elijah — one representing the Law and the other the Prophets — both long gone from the earth, yet alive and speaking with Him. This moment was a clear demonstration that those who believe and are faithful to God continue to live beyond the grave. It was a glimpse of glory, proof of resurrection life, and a preview of the eternal kingdom.

The disciples who witnessed it fell on their faces in awe, and a voice from heaven affirmed:

“This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Hear Him!” (Matthew 17:5, NKJV)

This heavenly encounter connects the past, present, and future of God’s redemptive plan, proving that faith in the Messiah brings life after death.

The Glory of Resurrection Morning

The resurrection of Jesus wasn’t quiet or subtle—it was a glorious invasion of light into darkness.

1. The Stone Was Rolled (or Blown) Away

The stone sealing the tomb didn’t just move—it was violently displaced, not to let Jesus out, but to reveal that He was already risen.

“And behold, there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat on it.” (Matthew 28:2, NKJV)

This divine act shattered the finality of death.

2. Angels Delivered Heaven’s Message

As the women arrived, they were met not by grief, but glory.

“He is not here; for He is risen, as He said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.” (Matthew 28:6, NKJV)

Angels were the first to proclaim the Gospel after the resurrection.

3. Women Were the First Witnesses

In a culture that often overlooked the testimony of women, God chose them as the first evangelists of the resurrection.

“And as they went to tell His disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, ‘Rejoice!’” (Matthew 28:9, NKJV)

This affirms that God uses the overlooked and faithful to carry His most powerful truths.

4. Eyewitness Appearances Confirmed the Truth

Jesus appeared to His disciples and to over 500 witnesses (1 Corinthians 15:6), offering peace and proof.

“Behold My hands and My feet, that it is I Myself. Handle Me and see…” (Luke 24:39, NKJV)

Doubt turned to declaration. Fear turned to faith.

Why the Resurrection Matters Today

The resurrection isn’t just a historical fact—it is the eternal hope for all who believe. It answers life’s most pressing questions:

Is there life after death?

Yes. Jesus conquered the grave and offers eternal life.

“I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live.” (John 11:25, NKJV)

Can broken lives be restored?

Yes. The same power that raised Jesus from the dead lives in us (Romans 8:11).

Does Jesus still reign?

Yes. He ascended to Heaven, and He is coming again.

Final Word: From Grave to Glory

The resurrection is the divine declaration that death does not win, sin does not define, and hope is alive. Jesus was in the grave for three days to fulfill prophecy, defeat death, and reveal God’s perfect plan.

From the cries of Hosanna to the silence of the tomb to the angelic announcement that shook the world — the Resurrection is our proof that Jesus is who He says He is: the Son of God, the Savior of the World, the Risen King.