“On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the women took the spices they had prepared and went to the tomb. They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. While they were wondering about this, suddenly two men in clothes that gleamed like lightning stood beside them. In their fright the women bowed down with their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, ‘Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; he has risen! Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee: “The Son of Man must be delivered over to the hands of sinners, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.”’ Then they remembered his words.” —Luke 24:1-8
Jesus had died. He had passed from this life to the next. The disciples had scattered. All hope seemed lost.
If only the story ended there. If only death had won, Satan had conquered, and evil men and women had prevailed.
But that’s not the end of the story, and we know it. We know that on the third day he arose, and those who were finalizing his body for burial after the Sabbath were about to receive the surprise of their lives.
Jesus is alive. He is not dead. Death could not hold him. The grave is no match for the sinless Lamb of God.
It was Sunday, the first day of the week, and the women—Mary, Martha, and company—brought with them burial spices to finish entombing the body of Jesus. But the stone was rolled away, and there was no body. And before they knew it, two men in gleaming clothes like lightning (i.e., angels!) stood and said, “Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; he has risen.”
And these were the best words ever spoken! The Son of God rose from the grave, defeated death, and was about to start an awakening the world had never seen. The angels reminded the women what he had said would have to happen, and they remembered.
The good news of the resurrection is that Christ died and rose again. He did not only die; he overcame death. He rose to new life, and in so doing, we too might live. We too might overcome our weakness, be filled with his Spirit, and reign in eternal life with God.
This is the message for the world. Two thousand years of this good news, and billions have accepted the truth of the Christ. News that, when heard, should change us. We are no longer alone, no longer defeated, no longer abandoned. We have hope in a Savior who tore the veil so we might have access to the Light of Life and know the love of God fully.
Today is a day for renewal. A day for repentance, a day for reward. Will you join me in celebrating the God who came down, who overcame, who rose again? Will you live in the joy of your salvation and spread this news with the world? That Jesus is alive. He is not dead. He is risen.
“It’s not Easter, not even close. It’s October, months away from when we celebrate the day—but today we can remember you, Lord. This day we can dance in the joy of the hope you have given. We are not alone; you are with us. Come now, Holy Spirit, fill us with your power and might. Help us know that you are faithful and that your grace is for all. For you are good and your love endures forever.” Amen.