Christ Jesus’ resurrection from death was more than just a remarkable event. His demonstration of dominion over mortality rings with truth for humanity to this day. “He proved Life to be deathless and Love to be the master of hate,” explains Mary Baker Eddy, Founder of Christian Science (Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, p. 44). 

Stories of several characters present at that time bring home the momentous nature of Jesus’ final experiences. A Roman centurion at the crucifixion testifies, “Truly this was the Son of God” (Matthew 27:54). Joseph of Arimathea, a Jewish leader who had become a believer, supplies his own unused tomb—a crucial provision, ensuring that no claim of another’s resurrection could later be made. Mary Magdalene, faithful follower of the Master, is the first to witness Jesus’ resurrection and spread the good news. Two travelers to Emmaus, distraught over the crucifixion, are given firsthand evidence that Jesus is alive. 

Most significantly, Jesus’ disciples—at first incredulous—joyfully greet their risen Savior. Accepting the vital reality of the resurrection enables them to carry the Christ message of eternal life to the world. Today’s disciples who likewise embrace this reality participate in the continuing resurrection, defined this way in Science and Health: “Spiritualization of thought; a new and higher idea of immortality, or spiritual existence; material belief yielding to spiritual understanding” (p. 593).