The Resurrection Changes Everything

“If Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins” (1 Corinthians 15:17).

This past week, our family saw the new animated film The King of Kings. I found it to be a beautiful and creative telling of Jesus’ life, with emotional moments, vivid animation, and an incredible storyline. Seeing a reverent portrayal of Christ was heartwarming, especially in an era where His name is often mocked or ignored. 

Yet, as a pastor, I also noticed something that troubled me. The Resurrection, the most glorious and earth-shaking event in human history, was only briefly mentioned. There was a quick transition from the cross to the open tomb, a few lines of narration, and then credits. That’s when the Holy Spirit spoke to my heart, “My victory must not be tucked into the background.”  

Beloved, the Resurrection must never be a secondary mention in Jesus's life. It is the crescendo of God’s redemptive symphony. It is the explosive beginning of a new creation, a new covenant, and a new hope. The stone was rolled away, and so was death. The Resurrection of Jesus is not just a doctrine but a world-altering reality that demands a response. 

It declares with authority: 

• Death is defeated (1 Corinthians 15:54–55).

• The cross was not in vain (Romans 4:25).

• Jesus is exactly who He said He is (John 11:25–26).

• Our eternal destination is certain (1 Peter 1:3–4).

The early church didn’t just celebrate the cross but also proclaimed the resurrected Savior. Every sermon in Acts was centered on the risen Christ. Why? Because no tomb could hold him, and no power will stop His return.

Another criticism of the movie is that Jesus’ divinity is alluded to but not proclaimed. This is a problem in many churches today. Only the perfect Lamb of God, the Son of God, could make the sacrifice to save us from our sins—Jesus, fully God yet fully human.

The Cross without the Resurrection is just a powerless, tragic ending. It’s the Resurrection that turns sacrifice into victory and death into the doorway of eternal life. The Resurrection isn’t just something Jesus did; it’s something that God gave to us for abundant life. 

• When you’re weary, He’s alive. 

• When you’ve failed, He’s alive. 

• When you’ve buried a loved one in hope, He is alive (and so are they). 

• When the world is falling apart, He's alive (and on the throne).

• We lift our heads because the tomb is still empty, and He's alive.

The film reminded me that many people are curious about Jesus. They want to see Him, know Him, and believe in Him. While creative retellings have their place, the full Gospel must tell of His life, death, resurrection, and soon return. The movie is a great introduction to Jesus. Now, we must disciple that curiosity and teach people to make Him not just King of kings but King of their hearts.

The Resurrection is not a seasonal topic or a theological footnote. It is the power of God, the proof of the Gospel, and the anchor of our unshakable hope. We live every day victoriously because He defeated death through the resurrection. “He is not here—He is risen. Just as He said” (Matthew 28:6). 

I encourage you to go see the movie King of Kings. Take the kids and the grandkids. Let them experience the life of Jesus through the lens of Charles Dickens, telling the story to his son, Wilbur. The animated film has many delightful nuances. On the way home, share the importance of the resurrection and how Jesus' defeat of death enables you to experience eternal life.  

With resurrection hope, Brad Reaves