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Jesus Is Alive
(Matthew 28.1-10; Mark 16.1-8; John 20.1-10)
1Very early on Sunday morning the women went to the tomb, carrying the spices they had prepared. 2When they found the stone rolled away from the entrance, 3they went in. But they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus, 4and they did not know what to think.
Suddenly two men in shining white clothes stood beside them. 5The women were afraid and bowed to the ground. But the men said, “Why are you looking in the place of the dead for someone who is alive? 6 Jesus isn't here! He has been raised from death. Remember that while he was still in Galilee, he told you, 7‘The Son of Man will be handed over to sinners who will nail him to a cross. But three days later he will rise to life.’ ” 8Then they remembered what Jesus had said.
9-10Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and some other women were the ones who had gone to the tomb. When they returned, they told the eleven apostles and the others what had happened. 11The apostles thought it was all nonsense, and they would not believe.
12But Peter ran to the tomb. And when he stooped down and looked in, he saw only the burial clothes. Then he returned, wondering what had happened.
Reflect
According to German philosopher, Friedrich Nietzsche, “God is dead.” According to God, “Nietzsche is dead!”
For those who have eyes to see and ears to hear, God’s not dead – he’s alive! Yes, some may think, as some of the disciples did, that it’s “all nonsense” and “not believe” (Luke 24:11). But it’s true, Christ “has been raised from death” Luke 24:6. So we celebrate, thanking God that this is the day death died!
When the women went to the tomb and didn’t find the body of Jesus, they didn’t “know what to think” Luke 24:4. When Peter saw that the body of Christ was no longer in the tomb, he wondered what had happened (cf. Luke 24:12). They would soon discover “the most important part of the message . . . that . . . Christ died for our sins, as the Scriptures say. He was buried, and three days later he was raised to life, as the Scriptures say” 1 Corinthians 15:3-4.
Christ’s resurrection changes everything. With Jesus alive we have a future and a hope – a living inheritance for everyone who trusts in him (Ephesians 1:7-12). This is the good news: Christ is not a memory, but a presence. Not a phantom, but a person. Not a figure in time, but a timeless figure who is looking out for us every millisecond of the day.
“When doors close and life tumbles in; when the lamps go out and the lights begin to flicker; when hope no longer sees a star, and love no longer hears the rustling of the leaves; when horizons lose their crimson and skies become leaden; when it’s touch and go – then comes a voice saying: ‘Trust me. You are not alone. Be not afraid. I live.’” Joseph Sizoo.
Respond
Thank you Jesus that there was no grave deep enough, no slab cold enough, no stone heavy enough and no guard strong enough to keep You in the grave. Because You live we have a future today. Because you triumphed over sin and defeated death, we have a hope that does not disappoint us. Amen.
Lawson Murray
Lawson is the President of Scripture Union Canada and the Managing Editor of theStory™. Lawson takes every opportunity to enthusiastically invite people of all ages to connect with Jesus and His Story. He says, “We have been given the greatest story ever - God's Story! Should we not, with all our might and energy immerse ourselves in it? I believe we should. For without the Story we really have nothing to offer the millions who hunger and thirst for something more. But, with God’s Story we have what everyone needs!” Publications: Bible Engagement Blog; Children’s Ministry Basics Blog, Bible Engagement Basics; Bible Beginners