Mark’s account of the resurrection left us unsure about Jesus on the loose. Luke agrees that the world can’t control Jesus, and then Luke goes even ­further.

Luke makes clear that Jesus is the one in control. “Remember how he told you . . .” the angels say. But Luke doesn’t focus on how unsettling it is to follow someone who will radically change our life. Rather, Luke aims to inspire awe in us for Jesus. Even though the odds seemed stacked against him, it turns out that everyone has played right into Jesus’ plan.

The resurrection of Jesus is the most awe-inspiring event in the history of the world. It’s not just that Jesus came back from the dead; Elisha had raised a dead boy to life, and Jesus himself had raised several people. The unique thing about Jesus’ resurrection is that it is permanent—Jesus is still alive! Jesus overcame death forever!

Because of Jesus, death no ­longer has the finality it once had. Jesus demonstrated his power over death so that we can have real hope that he will conquer our death as well. Like Jesus, many of his followers will die. But, because of Jesus, all who follow him will one day be raised back to life.