The fact that Jesus arose from the dead isn’t what makes Him unique. The Bible records seven other resurrections. Jesus was number eight (the biblical number for new beginnings). 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 2011 Edition).
2) Only Jesus raised Himself from the dead! His enemies deemed Him a helpless victim of their determined efforts to eradicate 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 at the helm. ‘Destroy this temple [my body], and in three days I will raise it up’ (John 2:19 NLT). And He did! He’s alive forevermore!
Ruth 1-4, John 8:28-59
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