He Has Risen!

“Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, He was asking His disciples, ‘Who do people say that the Son of Man is?’ … He said to them, ‘But who do you say that I am?’ Simon Peter answered, ‘You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.’ And Jesus said to him, ‘Blessed are you, Simon Barjona, because flesh and blood did not reveal this to you, but My Father who is in heaven. … Then He warned the disciples that they should tell no one that He was the Christ. From that time Jesus began to show His disciples that He must go to Jerusalem, and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised up on the third day. … Then Jesus said to His disciples, ‘If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me. ‘For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it; but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it.’” (Matthew 16:13-25)

“And when they came to a place called Golgotha, which means Place of a Skull … And when they had crucified Him, they divided up His garments among themselves by casting lots. And sitting down, they began to keep watch over Him there. And above His head they put up the charge against Him which read, "THIS IS JESUS THE KING OF THE JEWS." At that time two robbers were crucified with Him, one on the right and one on the left. And those passing by were hurling abuse at Him, wagging their heads and saying, ‘You who are going to destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days, save Yourself! If You are the Son of God, come down from the cross.’ In the same way the chief priests also, along with the scribes and elders, were mocking Him and saying, ‘He saved others; He cannot save Himself He is the King of Israel; let Him now come down from the cross, and we will believe in Him.’ ‘He trusts in God; let God rescue Him now, if He delights in Him; for He said, 'I am the Son of God.'’ The robbers who had been crucified with Him were also insulting Him with the same words. Now from the sixth hour darkness fell upon all the land until the ninth hour. About the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, "ELI, ELI, LAMA SABACHTHANI?" that is, "MY GOD, MY GOD, WHY HAVE YOU FORSAKEN ME?" … And Jesus cried out again with a loud voice, and yielded up His spirit. And behold, the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom; and the earth shook and the rocks were split. The tombs were opened, and many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised; and coming out of the tombs after His resurrection they entered the holy city and appeared to many. Now the centurion, and those who were with him keeping guard over Jesus, when they saw the earthquake and the things that were happening, became very frightened and said, ‘Truly this was the Son of God!’” (Matthew 27:33-54)

When I survey the wondrous cross
On which the Prince of Glory died
My richest gain I count but loss
And pour contempt on all my pride

See from His head, His hands, His feet
Sorrow and love flow mingled down
Did ever such love and sorrow meet
Or thorns compose so rich a crown

Oh the wonderful cross,
Oh the wonderful cross,
Bids me come and die
And find that I may truly live

Were the whole realm of nature mine
That were an offering far too small
Love so amazing, so divine
Demands my soul, my life, my all

Oh the wonderful cross,
Oh the wonderful cross,
All who gather here by grace
Draw near and bless Your name

(The Wonderful Cross, Matt Redman/Chris Tomlin version)
(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XiTIHdp5NVs&feature=related)

“Now after the Sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to look at the grave. And behold, a severe earthquake had occurred, for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and came and rolled away the stone and sat upon it. And his appearance was like lightning, and his clothing as white as snow. The guards shook for fear of him and became like dead men. The angel said to the women, ‘Do not be afraid; for I know that you are looking for Jesus who has been crucified. He is not here, for He has risen, just as He said. Come, see the place where He was lying. Go quickly and tell His disciples that He has risen from the dead; and behold, He is going ahead of you into Galilee, there you will see Him; behold, I have told you.’” (Matthew 28:1-10)

“And they left the tomb quickly with fear and great joy and ran to report it to His disciples. And behold, Jesus met them and greeted them. And they came up and took hold of His feet and worshiped Him. Then Jesus said to them, ‘Do not be afraid; go and take word to My brethren to leave for Galilee, and there they will see Me.’”

(Matthew 28:1-10)

You have opened the door
To the riches of God
And poured out Your life for the lost
The Lamb that who was slain
You erased all our sin
Purchased man with Your blood
And made us as priests unto God
The Lamb who was slain

You erased all our sin
Purchased man with Your blood
And made us as priests unto God
The Lamb who was slain

You are worthy
You are faithful
You are holy
The Lamb who was slain

You came down as a man
And you suffered the cross
Your kingdom the heavens became
The Lamb who was slain
But our God raised You up
And our tongues now confess
Yes, You are the Lord and the Christ
The Lamb who was slain

You are worthy
You are faithful
You are holy
The Lamb who was slain

(The Lamb Who Was Slain written by Sal Oliveri & Jeff Nelson)
(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NFOhDfmPg3o)

Thank you, Jesus, for your self-less and most loving sacrifice on behalf of the whole world.

“Salvation to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb”

“Hallelujah! Salvation and glory and power belong to our God”

(Revelation 7:10, 19:1)