Easter Sunday, April 9th

Easter Morning

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

Read Mark 16:2-8, John 20:3-18

The story of Jesus’ earthly existence began with an angel’s announcement of a miracle birth. After 30-something years, the story ends with another angelic announcement of an even greater miracle, resurrection from the dead.

Though Jesus had clearly explained to His disciples that He would die and that He would rise again on the third day, they still did not expect it. The teaching they were familiar with, but the reality of resurrection they couldn’t believe.

Fully expecting to find a linen-wrapped body in a guarded tomb, the women proceeded early on Sunday to the garden where Jesus was laid. They were astonished to find the stone rolled away and the tomb empty. Even then they assumed the authorities had taken the body.

The angels explained the situation. Jesus simply wasn’t there! He had risen just as He had promised!

The women were first to hear the good news. They tried to alert the others but no one would believe this preposterous story, with the exception of Peter and John. The two friends raced to the tomb together. John reached the cave first, then Peter entered the tomb. There lying empty were the linen grave clothes. Jesus was alive!

Something to think about

1. What day of the week was Easter morning?

2. What other leaders in history have risen from the dead?

3. How will you worship the risen Savior this Easter?