Matthew 28:1–6 (NLT) — 1 Early on Sunday morning, as the new day was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went out to visit the tomb. 2 Suddenly there was a great earthquake! For an angel of the Lord came down from heaven, rolled aside the stone, and sat on it. 3 His face shone like lightning, and his clothing was as white as snow. 4 The guards shook with fear when they saw him, and they fell into a dead faint. 5 Then the angel spoke to the women. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I know you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. 6 He isn’t here! He is risen from the dead, just as he said would happen. Come, see where his body was lying. 7 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.”
This is what it’s all about: “He is risen from the dead, just as He said would happen!” Because of Jesus’ victory over sin and death, there’s no more guilt; no more shame; there’s no sin that can’t be forgiven! There’s hope. There’s freedom. There’s liberty. We have communion with God. We have community as a family of God. We have the church. This is why we celebrate Easter. This is why we worship on Sundays. This is why we have reason to celebrate. This is the reason we have hope! This is the reason we serve. This is the reason we give. This is the reason we “go and tell”.
Because of what Jesus has done, we don’t have to “be afraid” We can “come and see” our risen Lord anytime we choose! If we really understand these truths, it should naturally move us to “quickly go and tell” everyone we can, every day of our lives, what Jesus has done, not only for us, but for others! How will you respond to the resurrection of Jesus today?
Will you approach Him today to thank Him for bearing His scars so you could be set free from yours? Thank Him for conquering sin and death. Thank Him for Heaven. Tel Him you can’t wait to be with Him forever. Tell Him that between now and then, you will offer everything you are and have…to Him!
Happy Easter, everyone!
