Slideshow image

The resurrection of Jesus Christ marks one of the most profound moments in the Christian faith, signaling not just an end, but a fresh start, a true beginning. This powerful truth is beautifully illustrated through the events surrounding Palm Sunday and the resurrection itself.

On Palm Sunday, as described in Mark 11 and Matthew 21, Jesus entered Jerusalem riding humbly on a donkey. People laid palm branches and cloaks along His path, joyfully shouting, "Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!" (Matthew 21:9). This scene was no coincidence. It mirrored the annual tradition during Passover, where a perfect lamb from Bethlehem would be chosen by priests and presented in Jerusalem. Jesus' arrival symbolically announced Him as the ultimate Lamb of God, flawless and prepared for sacrifice (John 1:29).

The days that followed were filled with scrutiny and trials, echoing the inspection of the Passover lamb. Just as the lamb had to be proven without blemish, Jesus faced questioning by religious leaders and Roman authorities, ultimately declared faultless by Pontius Pilate (Luke 23:4). Yet, despite His innocence, He was crucified, fulfilling prophecy and God's redemption plan.

But the crucifixion was not the end. On the third day, as narrated in Luke 24, women found the stone rolled away from the tomb, and Jesus was not there. An angelic declaration confirmed, "He is not here; He has risen!" (Luke 24:6). This rolled-away stone symbolized a powerful new beginning—not just for Jesus, but for all humanity.

Nicodemus, a respected Pharisee, experienced this new beginning firsthand. Initially approaching Jesus secretly by night, he grappled with the concept of being "born again" (John 3:3-7). His journey of faith led him from silent inquiry to openly defending and honoring Jesus (John 7:50-51). Nicodemus realized that the empty tomb marked not an ending, but his personal rebirth and transformation.

The message remains true for us today. The stone that was rolled away signifies the beginning of new life, victory, and hope. It promises transformation from spiritual death to life, from despair to breakthrough. Today, like Nicodemus, we are invited to step from behind our own stones—of doubt, fear, and shame—and into the new life offered through Jesus' resurrection.

Let us declare confidently, "The stone was not the end; it was the beginning."

Scripture References:

  • Mark 11, Matthew 21 – Palm Sunday Entry

  • John 1:29 – Jesus, Lamb of God

  • Luke 23:4 – Pilate declares Jesus faultless

  • Luke 24:6 – Resurrection declared

  • John 3:3-7; 7:50-51 – Nicodemus' Journey of Faith