What you say about death is correct; death is our final enemy, and once a person dies, they never return from the grave. Job put it this way: “If someone dies, will they live again?” (Job 14:14). The writer of Ecclesiastes noted, “Death is the destiny of everyone” (Ecclesiastes 7:2).

And yet the New Testament tells us that on that first Easter morning the stone entrance to Jesus’ tomb had been rolled away, the tomb was empty—and Jesus appeared repeatedly to His disciples. Paul tells us that after His resurrection Jesus appeared to over 500 people at one time, most of whom were still living when Paul wrote and could bear witness to what they had seen (see 1 Corinthians 15:3-8). Luke was a medical doctor who knew the finality of death as well as you—and yet in both his Gospel and in Acts he strongly affirmed Jesus’ resurrection.

How was it possible for Jesus to be raised from the dead? It could only have happened if God did it—and that’s precisely what took place! And because He rose from the dead, you and I can have hope—hope today, and hope for life beyond the grave. Death has been defeated!

Lay your doubts at the foot of the cross, and ask God to help you see Jesus as He really is. And on this Easter weekend may you be like Thomas, whose doubts vanished once he saw the risen Christ. Jesus’ response is for you: “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed” (John 20:29).