The Jesus Story: Resurrected

A 5-Day Devotional from Luke 24

Day 1 – Dead in Sin

Summary

Before we understand the power of the resurrection, we must understand our condition without Christ—we were spiritually dead, lost, and unable to save ourselves.

Read

Romans 3:10–12
Romans 3:23
Ephesians 2:1–3

Background

Scripture is clear: humanity’s greatest problem is not external but internal. Sin separates us from God and leaves us spiritually lifeless. No amount of effort, morality, or religion can fix what is broken.

This is why Easter was necessary.

Key Words

Sin – Rebellion against God that separates us from Him.

Spiritual Death – Separation from God and inability to respond to Him apart from grace.

Lost – A condition of being separated from God and without direction or hope.

Theological Truths

1. All people are spiritually dead apart from Christ.
2. Sin leaves us empty, broken, and separated from God.
3. We cannot save ourselves.

Jonathan Edwards wrote:
“You contribute nothing to your salvation except the sin that made it necessary.”

Questions for Reflection

1. What does it mean that we are “spiritually dead” apart from Christ?(MULTILINE)
2. How have you seen the effects of sin in your own life?(MULTILINE)
3. Why is it important to understand our condition before understanding salvation?(MULTILINE)
4. Who in your life is still spiritually lost and in need of Christ?(MULTILINE)
5. How can you begin praying intentionally for their salvation?(MULTILINE)

Application

Spend time confessing your need for God. Thank Him for opening your eyes to your condition apart from Christ.

Day 2 – The Cross and the Grave

Summary

Jesus willingly died for our sins and was buried. The grave was real, the death was real, and the sacrifice was complete.

Read

Romans 6:23
Isaiah 53:4–6
Luke 23:50–56

Background

Good Friday reminds us that Jesus did not merely suffer—He died. His body was placed in a tomb, wrapped in linen, and sealed. The disciples believed it was over.

But what looked like defeat was actually the fulfillment of God’s plan.

Key Words

Death – The penalty for sin and separation from God.

Substitution – Jesus taking our place and bearing our punishment.

Burial – Confirmation that Jesus truly died.

Theological Truths

1. Jesus fully paid the penalty for sin.
2. His death was intentional and necessary.
3. The cross is the foundation of our salvation.

John Stott wrote:
“The concept of substitution may be said to lie at the heart of both sin and salvation.”

Questions for Reflection

1. Why was it necessary for Jesus to actually die?(MULTILINE)
2. How does the reality of the cross deepen your understanding of God’s love?(MULTILINE)
3. Do you ever minimize the seriousness of sin?(MULTILINE)
4. How can remembering the cross shape your daily life?(MULTILINE)
5. Who needs to hear the message of what Jesus has done?(MULTILINE)

Application

Take time today to reflect on the cross. Thank Jesus specifically for dying in your place.

Day 3 – The Empty Tomb

Summary

On Sunday morning, everything changed. The tomb was empty—Jesus was alive. The resurrection is the cornerstone of our faith.

Read

Luke 24:1–12
1 Corinthians 15:3–4
Matthew 28:5–6

Background

The women came expecting to find a body—but instead found an empty tomb. Angels declared, “He is not here, but He has risen.”

The resurrection proves that Jesus is who He claimed to be and that His sacrifice was accepted.

Key Words

Resurrection – Jesus rising from the dead in victory over sin and death.

Victory – Christ’s triumph over sin, death, and the grave.

Alive – Jesus is living and reigning today.

Theological Truths

1. The resurrection confirms Jesus’ identity as the Son of God.
2. The resurrection proves that sin and death have been defeated.
3. Christianity stands or falls on the resurrection.

Charles Spurgeon wrote:
“The resurrection is the cornerstone of the entire building of Christianity.”

Questions for Reflection

1. What stands out to you most about the empty tomb?(MULTILINE)
2. Why is the resurrection essential to the gospel?(MULTILINE)
3. How does knowing Jesus is alive impact your daily life?(MULTILINE)
4. Who can you invite to “come and see” the truth of the gospel?(MULTILINE)
5. How can you share the hope of the resurrection this week?(MULTILINE)

Application

Celebrate the resurrection today—through worship, prayer, or sharing the gospel with someone.

Day 4 – From Death to Life

Summary

Through faith in Christ, we move from spiritual death to spiritual life. The resurrection is not just something that happened to Jesus—it changes us.

Read

John 3:3
John 3:16
Ephesians 2:4–5

Background

Jesus told Nicodemus that he must be “born again.” This means receiving new spiritual life through faith in Christ.

Because Jesus rose, we too can be made alive.

Key Words

Born Again – Receiving new spiritual life through faith in Christ.

Grace – God’s unearned favor that brings salvation.

New Life – Transformation that comes through union with Christ.

Theological Truths

1. Salvation is a movement from death to life.
2. This new life comes through faith in Jesus alone.
3. God makes spiritually dead people alive by His grace.

Martin Luther wrote:
“Faith is a living, daring confidence in God’s grace.”

Questions for Reflection

1. What does it mean to be “born again”?(MULTILINE)
2. Have you personally experienced this new life in Christ?(MULTILINE)
3. How has your life changed since trusting Jesus?(MULTILINE)
4. Who do you know that needs to experience new life in Christ?(MULTILINE)
5. How can you participate in God’s mission of bringing life to others?(MULTILINE)

Application

If you have never trusted Christ, make today the day. If you have, thank God for your new life and ask Him to help you walk in it.

Day 5 – Alive, Free, and Full

Summary

Because of the resurrection, believers are no longer dead, empty, or bound—we are alive, full, free, and risen with Christ.

Read

Ephesians 2:4–10
Galatians 5:1
Colossians 3:1–3

Background

The resurrection does not just secure our future—it transforms our present. We are no longer defined by sin, shame, or death.

In Christ, we have a new identity and a new purpose.

Key Words

Freedom – Release from the power and penalty of sin.

Identity – Who we are in Christ.

Purpose – Living for God’s glory and mission.

Theological Truths

1. Believers are made alive and set free in Christ.
2. Our identity is no longer defined by sin but by grace.
3. We are called to live a new life with purpose.

John Calvin wrote:
“We are redeemed for this end, that our life may glorify God.”

Questions for Reflection

1. Which describes you more right now: dead or alive, empty or full, bound or free? Why?(MULTILINE)
2. What does it mean to live in the freedom Christ has given you?(MULTILINE)
3. Are there areas where you are still living as if you are bound?(MULTILINE)
4. How can your life reflect the reality of the resurrection to others?(MULTILINE)
5. Who can you invite to experience this new life in Christ?(MULTILINE)

Application

Live today in light of your new identity. Choose one practical way to walk in freedom and purpose in Christ.