He Is Risen: Resurrection Sunday
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Summary
The women at the tomb were expecting to encounter death when they went to finish preparing the body of Jesus for burial. He was their Lord, and their devotion to Him was evident—not only had they accompanied Jesus from Galilee during His ministry before His crucifixion, but they were still compelled by their faithfulness to Him, even in His death.
Surprisingly, they could enter the tomb because the large stone at its door was rolled away, but inside, it was empty! Obviously, there would be some confusion. The angel then had to remind them of what Jesus had told them about His coming betrayal, death, and resurrection on the third day.
So while the women did come expecting death, they instead encountered life! Confusion led to joy, and the women were given a message to tell the disciples: He is risen! The gospel of Mark tells us that when the women left the tomb, they trembled and were amazed.
Surprisingly, they could enter the tomb because the large stone at its door was rolled away, but inside, it was empty! Obviously, there would be some confusion. The angel then had to remind them of what Jesus had told them about His coming betrayal, death, and resurrection on the third day.
So while the women did come expecting death, they instead encountered life! Confusion led to joy, and the women were given a message to tell the disciples: He is risen! The gospel of Mark tells us that when the women left the tomb, they trembled and were amazed.
Application
As we meditate on the resurrection of Jesus today, are you amazed? Are you astonished by what God has done in raising Jesus from the dead?
It may increase your awe to consider that you were dead in sin and separated from God, yet Jesus’ resurrection secures the hope of eternal life and future bodily resurrection for the believer (1 Corinthians 15:20-23). It may increase your awe to meditate on the truth that the life of Christ in you is your hope of glory. (Colossians 1:27)
Like the women at the tomb needed to remember what Jesus had spoken to them, we need to always be reminded of these truths from His Word, not just on Resurrection Sunday, but every day of the year. Let us not forget that the reality of Jesus’ resurrection is the basis of our faith, our eternal hope and our joy today!
It may increase your awe to consider that you were dead in sin and separated from God, yet Jesus’ resurrection secures the hope of eternal life and future bodily resurrection for the believer (1 Corinthians 15:20-23). It may increase your awe to meditate on the truth that the life of Christ in you is your hope of glory. (Colossians 1:27)
Like the women at the tomb needed to remember what Jesus had spoken to them, we need to always be reminded of these truths from His Word, not just on Resurrection Sunday, but every day of the year. Let us not forget that the reality of Jesus’ resurrection is the basis of our faith, our eternal hope and our joy today!
Questions to Consider
- In what ways might you seek to grow in your understanding and appreciation of the resurrection of Jesus and in turn, the hope of eternal life He offers?
- How does the reality of Christ’s life in you as a believer make a difference in how you live today?
Prayer
Father, thank You for Jesus Christ and Your plan of salvation offered by way of His death, burial, and resurrection. Thank You that because of Christ, we no longer have to remain in sin and death and separation from You. Please help us to live in dependence upon the life of Christ in us as we rest in the future hope of glory Christ has secured for His people. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
Written by Brandon Ferguson, Associate Discipleship Pastor
Posted in Passion Week
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