The religious leaders of Israel had had Jesus... - All The Good Seed Daily Devotionals for 2026

This Jesus God has raised up, of which we are all witnesses.
Acts 2:32

The religious leaders of Israel had had Jesus crucified. His tomb had been sealed and a guard installed. They imagined that they were now finally rid of that burdensome preacher.

But Christ rose again: death could not hold Him, nor the guards hinder His resurrection. Sheepishly they had to explain to the high priests what had happened (Matthew 27:66; 28:11).

Then, fifty days later at Pentecost in Jerusalem, the apostles began speaking of Jesus' resurrection. The high priests' and elders' annoyance was intense, but they could not deny the fact of the resurrection. There were, after all, more than five hundred witnesses who had seen the risen Lord (1 Corinthians 15:6). Nor could the elders deny the healing of the lame man; they could only threaten the disciples and forbid them to continue speaking of Jesus and His resurrection.

Weeks before, when Jesus was captured, the disciples had fled in fear. Now, through His resurrection, they had taken courage. They insisted that they must obey God rather than men and could not keep silent as to His resurrection (Acts 4:16-20).

Why is the resurrection of Jesus so important? It is the sign that Christ was not vanquished at the cross, but gained the victory over Satan and death. At the same time, it is the proof that God accepted Jesus' atoning sacrifice. Christ had to go into death for the sin and guilt of many. That He rose again proves for all who believe on Him that their guilt is atoned for and that they now have their part in His life.

Today's reading: Jeremiah 23:1-15 · Romans 1:1-7