Published 4/22/19
Read Matthew 28:5-7
But the angel said to the women, "Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here, for he has risen, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples that he has risen from the dead, and behold, he is going before you to Galilee; there you will see him. See, I have told you."
Reflect
• "He has risen!" How do those three words make you feel?
• Does God's free gift of grace seem too good to be true? (Why or why not?)
• Have you ever thought that you are unacceptable in God's eyes? (Please explain.)
Early Sunday morning, just before dawn, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome head to the tomb--their hearts breaking and their minds whirling with questions. They've come to anoint Jesus' body with more spices, but as they enter the graveyard, they receive the shock of their lives: Suddenly the earth reels and rocks under their feet as God's angel comes down from heaven--right up to where they are standing. He rolls back the stone and then sits on it. Shafts of lightning blaze from him. His garments shimmer snow-white.
"Don't be frightened," the angel says. "And there's no need to be surprised. You're here looking for Jesus, but why do you look for the living in a tomb. He's not here, he's alive! Do you not remember that, back in Galilee, he told you he would be arrested and crucified and rise from the grave on the third day?"
The resurrection was the proof, the seal of authenticity, that Jesus is who He claimed to be: The Son of God, the Messiah, the Savior--the King! And here's what should make us all jump for joy: Jesus destroyed the power of death and has given us eternal life. Your sinful nature, and mine, were crucified on the cross with Him. The "old you" died, and then Jesus raised up the "new you." As Christ-followers, we are no longer under the power of sin. Jesus' death paid the price; His resurrection sets us free.
Pray
Lord Jesus, thank you for your free gift of forgiveness, love and salvation. Ask Him to help you turn from sin daily and embrace the forgiveness He extends to all who call on Him.