Introduction: The dawn of new life
Easter Sunday is a day of unparalleled significance. Around the globe, Christians gather to celebrate the cornerstone of our faith – the resurrection of Jesus Christ. This day is not simply a remembrance of history but a living declaration of hope, victory, and new beginnings.
Matthew 28:1-10 “After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb. There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men. The angel said to the women, ‘Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. 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.’ So, the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples. Suddenly Jesus met them. ‘Greetings,’ he said. They came to him, clasped his feet and worshiped him. Then Jesus said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me.’”
The empty tomb stands as a symbol of God’s power over sin, death, and despair. It is a message that echoes across time: He is risen! But what does this mean for us today? Easter is not just about a miraculous event over 2,000 years ago. It’s about the transformative power of Jesus in our lives now. It’s about victory over death, the hope of eternal life, and the promise that through Christ, all things are made new.
Let’s journey back to that first Easter morning. Imagine the emotions of Mary Magdalene and the other Mary as they approached the tomb. Their hearts were heavy with grief, their hopes seemingly dashed. But what they found was not death – it was life, an event that would change the course of history forever. The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the foundation of our faith and the ultimate proclamation of God’s love and power.
The earthquake of grace
Matthew 28:2 tells us there was a “violent earthquake.” This detail is significant, not just as a physical event, but as a symbol of the spiritual upheaval taking place. Just as the earth shook at the moment of Jesus’ death (Matthew 27:51), it now shakes again at His resurrection. These tremors signify a cosmic shift: death has been defeated, and eternal life has broken through.
The resurrection is not a quiet or private moment. It is a public declaration of victory, shaking the very foundations of sin and death. The earthquake reminds us that the resurrection is not just a comforting idea but a revolutionary truth. It changes everything.
For centuries, humanity lived under the weight of sin and separation from God. But Jesus’ death and resurrection shattered that bondage. Romans 5:8 declares, “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” And now, through the resurrection, that love is fully realised in victory.
The rolled-away stone
The angel rolled away the stone – not to let Jesus out, but to let witnesses in. Jesus had already risen in power; the tomb could not hold Him. He could have walked right though it. The rolled-away stone was an invitation for Mary Magdalene, the other Mary, and for all of us to come and see the evidence of God’s power over death.
This image of the rolled-away stone is deeply personal. Each of us has stones in our lives – barriers that keep us from fully experiencing the power of the resurrection. Perhaps it’s the weight of guilt or shame, the fear of the unknown, or the scars of past hurts. These stones may seem immovable, but Easter reminds us that no barrier is too great for God.
In John 11:25-26, Jesus said to Martha, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?” The resurrection asks us the same question today: Do we believe that God’s power is greater than our obstacles?
The angel’s message: ‘He has risen!’
The angel’s words to the women are the heartbeat of Easter: “He is not here; he has risen, just as he said.” This simple yet profound statement carries truths that resonate through eternity.
God’s faithfulness: The resurrection confirms that God is faithful to His promises. Jesus told His disciples multiple times that He would suffer, die, and rise again (Matthew 16:21; 17:22-23). Easter validates every word Jesus spoke. It assures us that God’s promises are true – not just in the past but for our present and future.
Victory over death: Through the resurrection, Jesus declared victory over death itself. In 1 Corinthians 15:55-57, the Apostle Paul writes, “Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting? The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” The grave could not hold Him, and because of this, death no longer holds power over us.
A call to action: The angel’s message was not only a proclamation but a commission: “Go quickly and tell his disciples.” Easter is not just a truth to be celebrated but a mission to be shared. The good news of the resurrection is meant for everyone.
The women’s response: afraid yet filled with joy
The women’s reaction is both relatable and inspiring. Matthew 28:8 tells us they were “afraid yet filled with joy.”This mixture of emotions captures the essence of encountering the risen Christ. The resurrection is awe-inspiring and overwhelming, but it also fills us with hope and joy. Despite their fear, the women obeyed the angel’s instructions. They ran to tell the disciples, becoming the first witnesses of the resurrection. This is significant. In a culture that often marginalized women, God chose them to carry the most important message in history. This reminds us that the gospel is for everyone, and God uses all of us, regardless of our background or status, to fulfill His purposes. How often do we let fear hold us back from responding to God’s call? The women’s courage challenges us to step out in faith, even when we don’t have all the answers. Easter calls us to trust in the power of the risen Christ, who goes before us.
Jesus’ appearance: a personal encounter
As the women hurried to share the news, Jesus Himself appeared to them. His first word was simple, yet profound: “Greetings.” This word, full of joy and warmth, reminds us that Jesus meets us where we are. He knows our fears and doubts, yet He comes to us with love and reassurance. The women’s response was to fall at His feet and worship. This is the only appropriate reaction to the risen Lord. Easter is not just a time to celebrate – it is a time to worship, to bow before the One who conquered death and gave us life. Jesus’ words to the women, “Do not be afraid,” echo throughout the resurrection narrative. Fear has no place in the presence of the risen Christ. Whatever fears you may carry today, know that Jesus speaks peace into your life. His resurrection is proof that nothing is beyond His power.
The implications of the resurrection
The resurrection is not just an event in history – it is the foundation of our faith and the lens through which we view all of life. Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 15:17, “If Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins.” But because Christ has been raised, everything changes.
Hope for today: The resurrection assures us that God is with us in every circumstance. Romans 8:11 declares, “If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of his Spirit who lives in you.” This means we are never alone. The same Spirit that raised Jesus lives in us, empowering us to face every challenge.
Freedom from sin: Through His resurrection, Jesus broke the chains of sin. Romans 6:4 says, “We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.” Easter is an invitation to step into that new life, free from the power of sin and shame.
The promise of eternal life: The resurrection is the guarantee of eternal life. Jesus said in John 14:19, “Because I live, you also will live.” Death is not the end for those who believe in Him. Easter reminds us that we have a future secured in Christ.
The call to live the resurrection
Easter is not just a moment to reflect on; it is a reality to live out. Just as the women were sent to share the good news, we are called to be witnesses of the resurrection in our words and actions.
Living in victory: Philippians 3:10 says, “I want to know Christ – yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings.” To live in the power of the resurrection is to walk in victory, knowing that no obstacle is too great for God.
Sharing the good news: The angel’s command to “go quickly and tell” is our commission too. The resurrection is a message of hope that the world desperately needs to hear. As believers, we are called to proclaim the truth of Easter to a world longing for redemption.
Conclusion: He is risen!
The message of Easter is simple yet profound: He is risen! The stone has been rolled away, the grave is empty, and death has been defeated. This is the victory of Easter, a victory that changes everything. As we celebrate this day, let us worship the risen Christ with all our hearts. Let us live in the power of His resurrection, sharing the good news with a world in need. And let us hold fast to the promise that because He lives, we too shall live. Hallelujah! He is risen indeed!