Easter – Resurrection Sunday

He is not here; He has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where He lay. (Matthew 28:6)

I would have liked to walk with Mary Magdalene and the other ladies as they made their way to the tomb that morning. Mostly because I know how their day was going to turn out and I would have loved to see the amazement on their faces when they heard the Good News and saw the Risen Lord.

These women faced two overwhelming problems as they set out to honor Jesus’ body. The Roman guards and the huge rock in the tomb’s doorway. These were impossible obstacles, yet urged on by love and gratitude, they were determined to continue.

Do you allow obstacles to keep you from serving the Lord? Or is your love and passion for Him enough to help you push through?

God took care of both obstacles. On their way, there was a violent earthquake and an angel of the Lord appeared. 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.” So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples.

The stone was rolled away and the guards went into the city to report to the chief priests everything that happened. Keep in mind that the stone was not rolled away so Jesus could get out, but so others could get in and see for themselves that Jesus had indeed risen from the dead, just as He said He would.

After hearing the angel’s message, Mary Magdalene stood outside the tomb crying. As she wept, she bent over into the tomb and saw two angels in white, seated where Jesus’ body had been, one at the head and the other at the foot. They asked her, “Woman, why are you crying?”

“They have taken my Lord away,” she said, “and I don’t know where they have put him.”  At this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not realize that it was Jesus. He asked her, “Woman, why are you crying? Who is it you are looking for?”

Thinking he was the gardener, she said, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will get him.” Jesus said to her, “Mary.” She turned around and said to Him, “Teacher!”

I admire Mary’s passion. She was so desperate to serve her Lord that she was willing to get Him from wherever He had been taken. She was willing to do whatever it took to be near Him. Imagine the love that flooded her heart when she heard her Savior say her name.

The angel who announced the Good News of the Resurrection to the women gave them four messages:

1. Do not be afraid. The reality of the Resurrection brings joy and hope, not fear. When you are afraid, remember the empty tomb.
2. He is not here; He is Risen! Jesus is not dead. He is alive!
3. Come and see. The women could check the evidence for themselves. The tomb was empty then and it’s empty today. The Resurrection is a historical fact.
4. Go quickly and tell. They were to spread the joy of the Resurrection and so are we.

After appearing to the apostles and many others, Jesus gave them the gift of His Holy Spirit and commissioned them saying, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:18-20)

As believers we are also to go – whether it is next door, across town or to another country and make disciples. He has fully equipped us through His Holy Spirit that lives within us and empowers us with the same power that raised Jesus from the dead.

We get to be Good New bearers! We get to tell others about our Risen Lord! We get to experience the same thrill Mary did when the Savior called her by name. He is calling you by name to share the message: Don’t be afraid. He is not here; He is Risen. Come and see!

Lord, I just want to shout for joy today at the celebration of Your Resurrection! What a glorious day! Thank you for the hope that this day brings – no more tears, no more sadness and eternity with You. You truly are the Conquering King. Help me to share the Good News in any and every way I can. Help me to share the hope and promises that I have because of You, with others. Hallelujah Lord! You are Risen! In Jesus’ name, amen.

Go Deeper with Passion Week Readings

Matthew 28: 1-28

Mark 16:1-19

Luke 24: 1-53

John 20:1- John 21:25