Jesus is alive – Be Still…

Matthew 28:1-4 – Into the Light

“Early on Sunday morning, as the new day was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went out to visit the tomb. Suddenly there was a great earthquake! For an angel of the Lord came down from heaven, rolled aside the stone, and sat on it.His face shone like lightning, and his clothing was as white as snow. The guards shook with fear when they saw him, and they fell into a dead faint.” (Matthew 28:1-4)

Happy Easter! We can celebrate Easter every day because we live in a world that knows a resurrected Savior. Getting to know Jesus is the best way we can spend our time in this life. Not knowing Jesus is only half living, and sadly, too many people don’t realize that. So Happy Resurrection Day, as we say in Mexico! Jesus lives! Hallelujah.

Context (Matthew 28:1-10): This is Matthew’s account of what happened when Jesus rose from the dead. Matthew puts the two Mary’s at the tomb. They are the messengers who tell the other disciples that Jesus is alive. Not only do they encounter an angel, but they receive a message from Jesus himself. Can you even imagine what these women must have been thinking or feeling? It might be a joyous disbelief, yet complete awe, reverence, and peace. Let yourself feel that exuberance as you reread the text. Continue reading “Matthew 28:1-4 – Into the Light”

Mark 16:1-8 – Jesus is Alive!

Read Mark 16:1-8

What would have been your reaction when finding the empty tomb? Shock. Fear. It’s hard to put ourselves there truly because we know how the story plays out. We know the empty tomb is exactly what we should have expected. Jesus told us after all. But where was Jesus now?

I’m not going to dive into the “why we have different endings” discussion. Neither of the added endings say anything contrary or surprising in light of what we know about Jesus’ life on earth, both before and after his death. Hallelujah, Jesus is alive!

Mark 16:1-8 – The Empty Tomb

Read Mark 16:1-8

When is an ending not the end? When death ends in a victorious resurrection! The tomb was empty! Jesus is alive!

You also noticed that Mark’s gospel abruptly ends (in most ancient manuscripts) with verse 8. The sentences that follow here are thought to have been added to help bring a better closure to this climatic ending.

Luke 24:1-12 – An Empty Tomb

Read Luke 24:1-12

He is risen! He is risen indeed! Hallelujah!

I love how Luke’s version of this magnificent story puts the women at the tomb. After all, the last scene closed with them preparing the burial spices and then waiting. They must have been longing for more time with their friend, Jesus, even if he was no longer alive.

1 Corinthians 15:12-19 – No Resurrection?

Read 1 Corinthians 15:12-19

Are you curious like Paul, wondering how they could possibly question the resurrection? Was Paul’s own faith tested even a little by the Corinthian’s apparent unbelief?

Paul’s words make it clear he is 100% convinced. “And if Christ has not been raised, then all our preaching is useless, and your faith is useless” If Paul was totally convinced, I’m confident he would not put his life on the line every day for his faith and his mission to draw people to Jesus’ saving grace.