R is for Redemption, Resurrection and risen

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For this year’s A to Z challenge I am highlighting some important words from the Easter story.

Redemption is a word meaning buying back. Through the events of Easter Jesus of Nazareth became the Redeemer (or Saviour) of the world. Isaiah 44:6

Resurrection Sunday is another name for Easter Day. This marks the climax of the Easter story. On Good Friday Jesus was put to death by crucifixion and laid in a tomb by Joseph of Arimathea. (Letter J, Letter D and Letter C) The following day was the Sabbath, when no work was allowed.

On the morning of the third day the women went to finish preparing Jesus’ body for burial. Arriving at the tomb, they found that the stone had been rolled away. The body was missing and the grave-clothes were neatly folded. John 20:1-18, Matthew 28:1-15  and Luke 24:1-12

Jesus had predicted that he would die and be raised from death on the third day, but his disciples had not understood. Matthew 16:21

Jesus appeared to Mary Magdalene first, then to other disciples. (Letter M) Thomas was not there and found it difficult to believe that Jesus really was alive. When Jesus appeared to Thomas as well as the others, he invited him to touch his wounds to make sure he really was the risen Christ. John 20:19-29 See also Acts 10:39-41

Resurrection is the word meaning to come back to life from death.

On Easter Day Christians use the greeting: Christ is risen! The reply is: He is risen indeed!

Because Jesus overcame death He is alive for evermore and gives us the possibility of eternal life. (Letter E)