Read: Matthew 28
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.
Matthew 28:5-6
Jesus is Risen!
Having chosen to give up His life to pay the debt of sin of the entire world, Jesus does not stay dead, He arose! Jesus was not the first one brought back from the dead, but He was the first one resurrected.
Mary Magdalene and Mary come fully expecting Jesus dead body, they came to finish the preparation of Jesus body for burial, which was cut short by the Sabbath (Luke 24:1-3). But they are in for a surprise! The door of the tomb was rolled back and Angel of the Lord sitting on it. The Angel speaks to the bewildered women. He is not here, for He is risen! These faithful women were the first to hear this good news but they also got to see. The Angel invited them to come and see.
It would have it should have been enough to merely hear the testimony of the angel. Nevertheless, when they saw it, it gave them ground to stand on even more solid than the testimony of an angel. One eye-witness is better than twenty ear-witnesses; men will believe what you have seen if they do not believe what you have heard. (Spurgeon).
The fact of the resurrection is clear enough. We must also grapple with the meaning of the resurrection. The empty tomb reminds us that God the Father did not forsake Jesus. We also see that death is indeed conquered. We see that we have a living friend in Jesus. The empty tomb means hope and life. The women, filled with fear and great joy, did as the Angel told them they ran quickly and told.
As those who follow Christ, we are also to go and tell the world. We are to tell the world of the Savior who died and rose again, for you and me, because of whom we have life abundant (John 10:10) and eternal (John 3:16). Saints running in the way of obedience are likely to be met by Jesus. Some Christians travel to heaven so slowly that they are overtaken by follies or by faults, by slumber or by Satan; but he who is Christ’s running footman shall meet his Master while he is speeding on his way. (Spurgeon). Are you being overtaken by follies or faults that hinder your journey or are you pressing on the upward way?
How can you more fully embrace the reality of the resurrection in your daily life, and live in the power of Christ’s victory over sin and death? What are some practical steps you can take to deepen your relationship with Jesus, and grow in your understanding of the significance of the resurrection?
How can you share the good news of the resurrection with others, and encourage them to experience the same hope and joy that you have found in Christ?
Prayer
Lord, thank you for the empty tomb. Help me live in the power of your resurrection, in Jesus’ name, Amen
Scripture Writing: John 10:10
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