Raised on the Third Day

The bread and cup direct our hearts to Jesus' body and blood, and we should never hurry past the cost of the cross. Yet the cross is not the end of the gospel story. In 1 Corinthians 15:1–4, Paul names what is of first importance: Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, He was buried, and He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures. His death was real, His burial confirmed it, and His resurrection declared that death did not win.

That fuller view strengthens the Lord's Supper. We begin with His sacrifice, then remember what the sacrifice accomplished. The body laid in the tomb was raised. The blood poured out established a living covenant. Jesus did not merely leave us an inspiring memory of love; He rose, reigns, and gathers a living people who share His life. Communion looks backward to Calvary, but it also looks at the risen Lord and forward to His return.

Paul says Jesus was raised on the third day “according to the Scriptures.” Several Old Testament passages help form that background. Hosea 6:2 speaks of Israel's restoration on the third day. Jonah's three days become a sign Jesus applies to His own death and resurrection. Genesis 22 reaches its decisive moment on the third day. None of those should be treated carelessly as though one verse settles every question.

Genesis 1:9–13 offers another beautiful pattern. On creation's third day, dry land emerges from the waters and begins producing seed and fruit. The passage is describing creation, not giving an explicit prediction of Jesus. Still, its movement from covered ground to fruitful life helps us see a theme Scripture develops more fully. Jesus uses seed imagery in John 12:23–26: the grain falls into the earth and dies, then bears much fruit. The analogy does not replace the plain resurrection accounts; it helps us appreciate what His death and rising bring.

That pattern reaches us in more than one way. Romans 6:3–4 connects baptism with Christ's death, burial, and resurrection. We go down with the old life and rise to walk in newness of life. Baptism is not an isolated religious task or a work that earns salvation. It is the obedient response of faith by which we are united with the saving work of Jesus. The life that follows should begin bearing fruit because we now belong to the risen Christ.

First Corinthians 15 also carries our hope beyond baptism. Paul compares the body placed in the grave to seed that is sown and raised in a greater form (verses 35–44). Unless Jesus returns first, death still awaits us, and that can feel frightening. But death is not all that awaits us. Christ died, was buried, and rose; those who belong to Him can face the grave with confidence in God's promise. At the table, remember the suffering body and shed blood. Then keep going: remember the empty tomb, the new life He gives, and the resurrection still to come.