Why Do We Say ‘He Is Risen, Indeed’ on Easter?
- Heather Riggleman GodUpdates Contributor
- Updated Apr 08, 2022
Easter weekend is filled with so many emotions. We feel Jesus’ wounds deeply as we remember His sacrifice and excruciating death on the cross. But as Sunday looms before us, anticipation rises. The very purpose of the weekend is to remind us no matter what we face today, what we have been through, or no matter what the future holds, we know God has conquered it all. Jesus, His Son, conquered sin, death, the cross, and He is making all things new. This is why we rejoice when we hear the words, “He is risen!” But have you ever wondered where this tradition came from or started?
We often hear and say:
He has risen!
Christ has risen, indeed!
You may think it’s just a polite response from one Christ-follower to another but it’s more than that. The tradition of saying “He is risen,” goes back to the Bible!
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What Verse in the Bible Says He Is Risen?
Some say the phrase originates from Mary Magdalene when she supposedly addressed Emperor Tiberius with the words, “Christ is risen.” However, others believe this phrase is based on Luke 24:34 or more specifically on Luke 24:33-34. Jesus revealed Himself to two disciples on the road to Emmaus, "… they rose that same hour and returned to Jerusalem. And they found the eleven and those who were with them gathered together, saying, 'The Lord has risen indeed, and has appeared to Simon!'" But before we get to the story of Luke, we need to go back to the morning of His death. On Friday before Jesus’ body was laid in a tomb, the Son of God was falsely arrested, flogged, ordered to carry a cross on which He would be crucified. His body was taken from the cross and laid in a tomb.
Throughout His short ministry on earth, Jesus predicted to His disciples and followers about His death. In the Book of John, Jesus predicted His death three times. In Matthew 17:22-23 and in Mark 9:30-32, Jesus said, "The Son of Man is going to be betrayed into the hands of men. They will kill him, and after three days he will rise." But they did not understand what he meant and were afraid to ask him about it.”
Yet, after His body was nailed to the cross, His disciples wept bitterly and assumed this was the end of Jesus’ life. They had assumed Jesus would take over the Roman Empire and become king. Before this moment, Jesus had performed miracles and signs. He healed the sick, the lame, and the blind. He brought people back from death. He cast out demons. He blessed bread and fed thousands of people with just a couple of loaves. Yet, most people who followed Him assumed he would create a dynasty on earth. What better king could you have than one who ensured your belly was full, right? In their short-mindedness, they failed to see Jesus was actually the King of Kings. They merely wanted him to become a human king over Israel but that was not a part of Jesus' mission at that time.
They failed to see He was bringing in a new heaven and a new earth. They failed to see He would become the High priest that would plead with God on our behalf. Until He rose on the third day.
Both the Old and the New Testament speak of the truth of Jesus being raised from death. Jesus testified of His is resurrection before He died and again to His disciples after they witnessed His body after the resurrection. Matthew 28:5-7 says, “The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples: ‘He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.’ Now I have told you.”
The resurrection of Jesus is the foundation of our Christian faith. Without this pivotal moment and the belief that Jesus is our savior, Jesus’ life and the Bible mean nothing! When He rose, He proved He is the King of Kings. He proved He is the Son of God and He proved His works of redeeming mankind. When Jesus rose from the grave, it was a victory for all of us. This is why we say, He is risen. He is risen indeed.
He Is Risen Indeed Tradition
After Jesus rose from the dead. He showed Himself to His disciples before ascending to heaven. 40 days after conquering death, His disciples witness Him going up to heaven in the clouds. He tells them to keep His commands. He then tells them He is sending an “Advocate, the Spirit of Truth” as He goes to prepare a place for each of us. In John 14:28, Jesus says, “You heard me say, ‘I am going away and I am coming back to you.’ If you loved me, you would be glad that I am going to the Father, for the Father is greater than I. I have told you now before it happens, so that when it does happen you will believe.” After this moment, His disciples began to spread the Gospel. This whole story encapsulates where the phrase originated.
What is the Paschal Greeting?
Over time, the phrase turned into the ‘paschal greeting,’ which is also known as the Easter Acclamation. This comes from the Hebrew word, Pesach which refers to the Jewish Passover. Those who live in Greece, will hear or say, Christos anesti" (Christ is risen), and other Grecians will then respond "Alithos anesti" (truly, He has risen), this is known as the Paschal Greeting. These words are sometimes accompanied by the exchange of three kisses, alternating on each cheek.
In the Western culture of Christianity, when one person rejoices with, “He is Risen!” Others answer, “He is risen, Indeed.” Saying “He is risen!” allows us to share this extraordinary truth with each other. The resurrection of Jesus provides an outpouring of hope for our salvation and for our own resurrection and eternal life. This rejoicing of Jesus’ victory is also a victory for those whose lives now belong to Christ because all who believe in Him will have eternal life. John 3:16 says, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
Jesus Is Risen and So Are We
As Easter Sunday approaches, may we prepare our hearts in anticipation being the meaning of these precious words. Let us remember the value of Paul’s words in Romans:
"But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us" Romans 5:8.
"For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord" Romans 6:23.
"Because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved" Romans 10:9.
"For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved” Romans 10:13.
These five Bible verses paint a picture of what it means that Jesus has risen and so are we. Christ’s resurrection gives us hope and important truth that we use any time to fuel our hope when we are lacking. We can confidently proclaim that He is risen. He is risen, indeed!
He Is Risen Prayer
Because He conquered death and sin we have freedom in Christ. The very purpose of His resurrection is to set us free as Jesus made all things new. This means God is not dead, we are not alone, and we have the final victory! May we soak in this deep truth of this prayer.
Father God,
You are my redeemer, my Savior, my Strength, my Power, my Resurrection, and my Life.
Thank You that You make all things new. Thank You for making me a new creation in Christ the moment I accepted Your Son as my savior. Thank You for the victory and power I have in Your precious name. No matter what life brings my way, I can look confidently to You because You hold the keys of death which means I am alive in Christ.
Jesus paved way for me to live a life of freedom from sin. Thank You that He made the way. I praise You for the love you lavish on me. May Your light shine brightly on me and through me. May I make a difference in the lives of others by sharing Your truth. Thank You for such an incredible gift. To You be the honor, the glory, and the power on the Resurrection Day.
In Jesus’ Name,
AMEN!
Photo credit: ©GettyImages/ipopba
This article is part of our larger Holy Week and Easter resource library centered around the events leading up to the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. We hope these articles help you understand the meaning and story behind important Christian holidays and dates and encourage you as you take time to reflect on all that God has done for us through his son Jesus Christ!
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