Easter Sunday! The greatest day in human history!
Picture this! Before dawn, the world is still shrouded in the shadow of Jesus’ death. His friends and disciples are huddled together behind locked doors, filled with grief and confusion. The religious leaders, who sent Jesus to the cross, are smuggly satisfied with their victory.
But it wasn’t over…
Matthew 28: 2 tells us:
There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it.
The scene was so frightening that the guards who guarded the tomb, “trembled in fear of him and became like dead men” (Matthew 28:4).
The scripture tells us that Mary and Mary Magdalene witness what had happened and they were also afraid. But the angel reassured them saying: “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, see the place where He lay” (Matthew 28:5-6).
On that morning when Jesus stepped out of that tomb it validated every prophecy spoken and every claim He ever made. He carried the scars of His crucifiction but he had beaten death! From that moment He turned the disciples’ fear and despair into a daring faith that would bring Jesus’ message to the world.
A message that reminds us:
Today’s Bible Verse
He is not here; he has risen, just as he said.
Matthew 28:6
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Understanding the Scriptures
Matthew 28:6 – The Angel’s Message
When the women arrived at Jesus’ tomb, an angel told them, “He is not here; he has risen, just as he said.”
This message confirms that Jesus kept His promise. He conquered death, proving He is the Son of God.
John 20:1-18 – Mary’s Encounter
In John, we are told that Mary Magdalene went to Jesus’ tomb early in the morning and found it empty. She was incredibly distressed, thinking someone had stolen Jesus’ body.
But then, Jesus appeared to her.
Initially, she didn’t recognise him and thought He was the gardener. But then He called her by name and she knew it was her beloved Jesus!
I absolutely love this! In both Matthew and John’s account, Jesus decided not to appear to His disciples first, but rather to the women who loved him!
I also find it fascinating that only when Jesus called Mary by name did she recognise him!
Is Jesus calling you by name today?
1 Corinthians 15:20-22 – The Promise of New Life
In his letter to the Corinthians, Paul explains that Jesus’ resurrection is just the first of many and describes those who die as, “those who have fallen asleep”. He also tells us that Jesus would return for, “those who belong to Him”.
Where, O Death, is your victory?
Where, O Death, is your sting?
1 Corinthians 15:55
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Today’s Affirmation
Because Jesus lives, I have hope, joy, and a new beginning.
Today’s Prayer
Dear Jesus,
Thank You for rising from the dead and giving me hope! Your victory over death means I can have eternal life. Forgive me for sometimes living as if the grave still has power. Help me to live in the joy and freedom of Your resurrection. Teach me to share this good news with others and to walk in the new life You’ve given me. Thank You for Your love and grace.
Amen.
