Jesus has risen! This must have been the most beautiful words Mary Magdalene and the other Mary had ever heard. As they walked to the tomb, I imagine they were grieving over the loss of Jesus, who they saw die on the cross for our sins. If I were them walking to the tomb, I would have been sad and probably not saying much but reflecting on all that happened. Then they hear the words from the angel telling them Jesus has risen. The words, “He has risen,” changed everything.
Matthew 28:5 Then the angel spoke to the women. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I know you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. 6 He isn’t here! He is risen from the dead, just as he said would happen. Come see where his body was lying.[1]
Jesus Has Power Over Death
The resurrection of Jesus fulfilled prophecy and proved His divinity as the Messiah and Savior. In simple terms, only the Lord has power over death. Jesus’ resurrection is so essential that it is a significant theme of the Apostle Paul. 1 Corinthians 15:14 And if Christ has not been raised, then all our preaching is useless, and your faith is useless.[2] Jesus was raised from the dead and paid the price for our sins. He was the final sacrifice.
As Believers, We Have a Life Beyond the Grave
Mary Magdalene and the other Mary had the surprise of their lives the day they walked to the tomb. Instead of a closed tomb, they found an open one with an angel telling them Jesus had risen. This news would impact every person who would ever believe in Jesus. The resurrection of Jesus is the Lord’s way of telling us when we die, it is not the end.
Jesus’ Resurrection Gives us a New Beginning
When Jesus died and rose again, He gave us a new beginning, no matter who we were. The empty tomb first experienced by faithful women means God restores our relationship with Him. It means as we repent, we receive forgiveness. Jesus paid for our sins which freed us from the pains of death and hell.
As Jesus looks at you, He sees a masterpiece that He created. You may remember your sins, but God’s forgiveness means He remembers them no more. Psalm 103:11For as the heavens are high above the earth, So great is His mercy toward those who fear Him;12 As far as the east is from the west, So far has He removed our transgressions from us.[3] The Lord took our sins away so we could be forgiven and have a relationship with Him. You are blessed!
To learn how Jesus has risen, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/fulfilled-resurrected
[1-2] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation . Tyndale House Publishers.
[3] The New King James Version (Ps 103:11–12). (1982). Thomas Nelson.