EASTER SCRIPTURE (MATTHEW 28:1-10)

Now after the Sabbath, toward the dawn of the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb. And behold, there was a great earthquake, for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and came and rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing white as snow. And for fear of him the guards trembled and became like dead men. But the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here, for he has risen, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples that he has risen from the dead, and behold, he is going before you to Galilee; there you will see him. See, I have told you.” So they departed quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to tell his disciples. And behold, Jesus met them and said, “Greetings!” And they came up and took hold of his feet and worshiped him. Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid; go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee, and there they will see me.”

Matthew 28:1-10 (ESV)

On their way to prepare Jesus' body with spices, the two women felt the shock of an earthquake. An angel from heaven descended and rolled away the stone from the tomb where the crucified Jesus had lain. The stone was not rolled away for the sake of our Lord and Savior, for He has no need for any aid. If He so desired, He could have passed right through the stone blocking His way. No it was rolled back for Mary Magdalene and the other Mary. It was rolled back for you as well.

"Come see the place where he lay."

The Roman guards witnessed this site and became like dead men. They trembled with fear, for they now knew that the God in heaven is real. They now understood that Rome was not all powerful, but the kingdoms of men rise and fall at the will of the Lord. The kingdoms of our day submit to God's will as well.

The two women left with both fear and great joy. They too feared the power of God. They understood that if Jesus has the ability to raise Himself from the dead, then He is Lord over all things, including them. Yet their fear does not leave them trembling, for they also have great joy. Joy in the knowledge that the one who loved them more than they deserved is no longer dead. Joy in the knowledge that their enemies (sin, death and the devil) have been defeated. Joy that they will again see their Lord. He is Lord over you as well.

So they run. They have this great news to bring to the disciples, so they rush to proclaim it. Along the way, Jesus meets them and says, "Hello." Overcome with emotion, these two women fall at His feet and worship Him. They understand who Jesus is. He is the God of all creation. He is their maker. He is their Lord. He is the one worthy of their praise. He is worthy of your praise as well.

Jesus tells them to not be afraid. Those who understand who Jesus truly is do not need to fear. Though they know that Jesus is God and has power over their lives, they also understand the great love shown to them on the cross. This love is for you as well.

Jesus died for your sins on the cross. The wrath of God was placed upon Him, so that you can receive forgiveness. Now He is risen from the dead and sits at the right hand of the Father ruling over all creation. He is your maker. He is your Lord. He is the one worthy or your praise.

My prayer this Easter is for you to understand and have faith in who Jesus is and what He has done for you. Repent of your sins and unbelief. Come worship at the feet of the one who has forgiveness for you. The tomb is empty! Jesus has risen! Do not be afraid, for this is good news!