Easter Sunday
The story begins early morning just as dawn breaks. Mary Magdalene and some other women walked to Jesus’ tomb.They brought spices and oils to anoint his body. Their final act of love and devotion. They were concerned about the massive stone that sealed the entrance. When they arrived the stone was already rolled away. Jesus was not there. Two angels appeared, brightly shinning. When they saw them they were terrified and bowed. The angels asked why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here but has risen. Luke 24:5-6. These are the words that first proclaimed Jesus’ resurrection. Their hearts racing as fast as their feet these women ran to tell the disciples. Great joy filled their hearts. The disciples were skeptical. Then Peter and another whom Jesus loved, ran to the tomb and found it just as they had been told. When they left, Mary was outside the tomb crying. She bent down to look in and saw the two angels inside. One was at the head and one was at the foot of where Jesus had been. John 20:12 Mary then had the first encounter with Jesus. Through her tears she saw a man in the garden, not knowing it was Jesus, until he spoke her name. John 20:17-18 tells this, Jesus told Mary do not touch me because I have not yet ascended to my Father. Go tell others.
Mary was the first to spread the news of resurrection saying I have seen him. This is significant in a culture where what a woman said was often disregarded, Jesus chose Mary. A woman redeemed and restored by his grace, he chose her to be the first witness of his resurrection. This is a powerful reminder Jesus and redemption is for everyone. Regardless of status, gender or background. Resurrection changes everything, it breaks down all barriers.
John 20:19 Later that evening, the disciples were gathered. They were in fear of the Romans and religious leaders. All of a sudden Jesus stood in their midst saying, “peace be unto you.” Afraid, they thought he was a ghost. Jesus reassured them. Luke 24:39. Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me and see for a spirit does’t have flesh and bones as I have. Proof he was the same Jesus who was crucified. Joy and wonder all around they had seen the truth.He was alive. He had defeated death just as he promised.
Thomas was not there and when the others told him he doubted. John 20:24 Except I see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe. A week later Jesus appeared again and invited Thomas to do it. John 20:27-29.
He appeared a third time and cooked breakfast for some of them on shore.
In John 21 The resurrection appearances continued. Jesus met and prepared breakfast for them. Then Jesus restored Peter’s relationship with him. When Jesus was arrested Peter was frightened and denied knowing Jesus three times. He was afraid of what they would do to him if he was linked to Jesus. He gave them a new command and mission. The great commission. Matthew 28:19-20 Go and teach all nations, baptizing them in the power of the Father, and of the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Teaching them to observe all things I have commanded you: and I am with you always, even to the end of the world. Amen
Easter is not about an empty tomb but about a living Savior. The resurrection of Jesus is the ultimate victory. Victory over sin, death and every power of darkness. He lives and gives us hope of death not being the end because he lives. We know every promise of God is true.The resurrection validates everything Jesus ever said and did and proves he is who he claimed to be. The son of God, the Messiah and Savior of the world.
For believers Easter is more than a historical fact. It’s a living reality. The same power that raised Jesus from the dead is at work in us who believe. Ephesians 1:19-20
Easter, the glorious climax of Passion week.The foundation of our faith. The day that transformed despair to hope, mourning to joy and death to life. This day changed everything. Jesus crucified, died, buried and rose from the grave conquering sin and death. Once and for all. His resurrection is not just a historical event, it’s the cornerstone of the gospel and source of eternal life. Life abundant, eternal and victorious.
Easter calls us to live in the light of the power of Jesus. to walk in newness of life, free from chains of sin and fear. Resurrection is not just a past event, it’s our hope and strength. As we celebrate Easter let’s rejoice in the victory of our risen Lord. Proclaim like Mary I have seen the Lord. Maybe not with my eyes but absolutely in my life. Let’s walk in the joy and freedom of his resurrection. Know that because he lives we too shall live with him for eternity.
If you don’t have this knowledge of joy and assurance you can. All you have to do is acknowledge by faith you believe Jesus died for you. Ask him to forgive you. Tell him you want the forgiveness he died for. Tell him you believe he rose again the third day. If you choose this the Bible says you are born again. When you die you will go to heaven for eternity.
If you have done this today congratulations. The Bible says the angels in heaven are rejoicing. You probably have a lot of questions. Maybe want to know where to go from here. Please email me and I will give you some suggestions. You can also comment and ask me below, if you would rather.
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