RAISED TO NEW LIFE—WITNESSES OF HIS VICTORY (RESURRECTION SUNDAY)

SCRIPTURE READINGSACTS 10:34-43COLOSSIANS 3:1-4MATTHEW 28:1-10 RAISED TO NEW LIFE—WITNESSES OF HIS VICTORY REFLECTION The theme for our reflection is “RAISED TO NEW LIFE—WITNESSES OF HIS VICTORY.” To understand this theme, we must look at what these words mean. To be “Raised” means to be brought back from death to life. “New Life” refers to the…

Jean-Paul Agidi

Apr 4, 2026

3–5 minutes

bible, christianity, faith, jesus, resurrection

SCRIPTURE READINGS
ACTS 10:34-43
COLOSSIANS 3:1-4
MATTHEW 28:1-10

RAISED TO NEW LIFE—WITNESSES OF HIS VICTORY

REFLECTION

The theme for our reflection is “RAISED TO NEW LIFE—WITNESSES OF HIS VICTORY.” To understand this theme, we must look at what these words mean. To be “Raised” means to be brought back from death to life. “New Life” refers to the spiritual change that happens when we follow Jesus. A “Witness” is someone who sees something happen and tells others the truth about it. Finally, “Victory” is the great win Jesus had over sin and death. The key lesson in the Scriptures is that because Jesus rose from the dead, we are no longer slaves to our past but are called to live for heaven.

The background of our Scripture readings starts at the empty tomb in Matthew 28:1-10. After Jesus was crucified, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to the tomb. They found that the stone had been rolled away, and an angel told them the best news in history: Jesus is alive. This event changed everything for the disciples and for us today.

The first lesson we learn is that the resurrection is a real, physical victory that demands a witness. In Matthew 28:5-7, the angel told the women: “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples: ‘He has risen from the dead…’” These women were the first witnesses. They did not just keep the news to themselves; they ran to tell others.

In the same way, Peter explains in Acts 10:40-42 that God chose specific people to see the risen Christ so they could preach to everyone. Peter said, “But God raised him from the dead on the third day and caused him to be seen. He was not seen by all the people, but by witnesses whom God had already chosen—by us who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead.” This victory is not a secret. A practical example of being a witness today is sharing how God has helped you through a difficult time or how His peace has changed your home. When we live with joy even during trials, we are witnesses of His victory.

The second lesson is that being raised with Christ means we must change how we live. We cannot have “new life” if we keep our “old habits.” Paul tells us in Colossians 3:1-2, “Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” This means our goals and our character should look like Jesus.

For example, if we used to be known for being angry or selfish, our “new life” should show kindness and generosity. Paul continues in Colossians 3:3-4, “For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.” This is a powerful promise. If we focus on heavenly things—like love, honesty, and helping others—we show the world that Jesus is truly alive in us. We become living proof of His victory over the darkness of this world.

Conclusion

In summary, we have seen that Jesus’ resurrection is a historical fact that makes Him the Lord of all. We have learned that we are called to be witnesses who tell others the good news, and we are commanded to live a transformed life by setting our minds on things above.

My call to action for you today is this: Do not live as if Jesus is still in the grave. If there is a “dead” area in your life—perhaps a bad habit, a broken relationship, or a lost hope—invite the risen Christ into it. Start each day by asking God to help you focus on “things above” rather than the worries of this world. Go out and be a witness by showing the love and victory of Jesus to your family, your friends, and your neighbours.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, we thank You for the victory of Your Son, Jesus Christ, over death. Thank You that He is risen and that we are raised to new life with Him. Please help us to be bold witnesses of Your grace. Fill our hearts with a desire for heavenly things and help us to live in a way that honours You every day. Amen.