Scripture: Matthew 28:1-10 (NIV)
1 After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb.
2 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.
3 His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow.
4 The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men.
5 The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified.
6 He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay.
7 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.”
8 So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples.
9 Suddenly Jesus met them. “Greetings,” he said. They came to him, clasped his feet and worshiped him.
10 Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me.”
Devotion:
As we celebrate Easter, let us journey to the empty tomb alongside Mary Magdalene and the other Mary, and witness the profound revelation of Christ’s resurrection, as depicted in Matthew 28:1-10. This passage illuminates the essence of Easter: hope, joy, and the victory of life over death.
1. Dawn of Resurrection Hope: At dawn on the first day of the week, as the world awakened to a new day, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary approached the tomb. Little did they know that they were about to encounter the greatest miracle in history. Easter morning signifies the dawn of a new era, where hope triumphs over despair and life conquers death.
2. The Empty Tomb: Upon arriving at the tomb, the women were greeted by a miraculous sight—an angel of the Lord descending from heaven, rolling back the stone, and announcing, “He is not here; he has risen, just as he said.” The empty tomb stands as a powerful testament to the reality of Christ’s resurrection and the fulfillment of God’s promises.
3. Fear Turned to Joy: Initially filled with fear and trepidation, the women’s hearts were soon flooded with overwhelming joy as they encountered the risen Lord. Their fear transformed into courage as they embraced the truth of Christ’s victory over death. Likewise, Easter invites us to exchange our fears and doubts for the unwavering joy of knowing that Jesus is alive.
4. Encounter with the Risen Savior: In a moment of divine encounter, Jesus met the women on their journey and greeted them with the reassuring words, “Do not be afraid.” His presence brought comfort, assurance, and a renewed sense of purpose. Easter reminds us that Jesus is not a distant historical figure but a living, present reality who walks alongside us in every season of life.
5. Commissioned to Share the Good News: Empowered by their encounter with the risen Savior, the women were commissioned to go and tell the disciples the good news of Christ’s resurrection. Similarly, Easter compels us to share the message of hope and salvation with a world in need of redemption, proclaiming the transformative power of Jesus’ death and resurrection.
As we celebrate Easter, may we echo the words of the angel and proclaim with boldness and conviction, “He is risen!” May the empty tomb serve as a constant reminder of the hope, joy, and victory that we have in Christ. Amen.