He died for you, so live for Him

Rev. Tetteh-Annor Larbi | October 3, 2023 | Matthew 27:45-56

KEY VERSE: and the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised. Matthew 27:52 (NKJV)

MESSAGE:

We have understood that the divine arrangement by God before the foundations of the earth that culminated in Christ coming to die for lost humanity was a divine exchange. He took our place and bore the punishment of death that we deserved because of our sins. He paid the wages of our sins with his life.

A story is told of a man who committed murder and ran into his brother's house with blood-stained clothes and asked the brother to hide him from his pursuers. The brother took the clothes off him and wore them, then he hid his brother in a room and locked him from the police. The police broke in, and identifying the blood-stained clothes on this brother, arrested him and locked him up on death row. On the night of his execution, he wrote a note to be given to his brother only after he had been executed. The brother was served the note the next day and when he opened it, the content read "I died for you, live for me".

These were the words that kept ringing in his mind for the next few years and as a result, he reformed and turned a new leaf to tell this story.

FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE:

Jesus died in our place for the life we lived that was deserving of death. The least we can do in appreciation of this deed of grace is to live for him. Christ died for you, let him live through you.

PRAYER:

Dear Lord, I give myself away. Live your life through me and let me be your witness by the life I live. For your dear namesake. Amen.

THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING.

SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!! __ DAILY word study: RAISED The word "raised" in our key verse for today is translated from the following Greek word: "ἠγέρθησαν" (ēgerthēsan): This is a form of the Greek verb "egeirō," which means "to raise up," "to lift up," or "to awaken." It is commonly used in the New Testament to refer to resurrection or being raised from the dead.

The verb "egeirō" is used extensively in the New Testament, especially in the context of resurrection. Some notable examples include:

Jesus' Resurrection: The term is frequently used to describe Jesus' resurrection from the dead (Matthew 16:21, Mark 8:31, Luke 24:7, etc.).

General Resurrection: It is used in passages discussing the general resurrection of the dead, both of the righteous and the unrighteous (John 5:28-29, Acts 24:15).

In Matthew 27:52, the use of "raised" is remarkable. It refers to a specific event following Jesus' death where the tombs were opened, and the bodies of saints who had died were raised. This is a unique and extraordinary event, often referred to as the "resurrection of the saints." From this, we learn about:

1. Unique Resurrection Event: The raising of the saints in Matthew 27:52 is distinct from the general resurrection to come. It is a specific, miraculous event associated with the moment of Jesus' death, emphasizing the power and significance of His sacrifice.

2. Significance of Saints: The fact that it is the bodies of saints that are raised highlights the redemptive work of Christ. His death not only has implications for the future resurrection but also brings about a demonstration of His victory over death in the present.

3. Foretaste of Resurrection: This event serves as a foretaste of the ultimate resurrection to come, showcasing the transformative power of Christ's death and the hope of life beyond the grave.

The word “raised” in this context reminds us of the deep meaning and power of Christ’s death and resurrection. It encourages us to rejoice in the hope and victory we have in Him, both now and in the future when we will share in His resurrection.