Three women returned to the tomb in which Jesus’ body had been laid. Just as women had provided for Jesus’ needs when he was alive, they remained faithful after his death despite the potential danger and the physical challenge of moving the stone from the entrance of the tomb.

When they arrived at the tomb, they saw that the stone had been rolled away and a young man in a white robe. Understandably, they were shocked. They must have thought of the possibility that Jesus’ body had been stolen. The stone was not rolled away to let Jesus out, but to announce that Jesus had risen for those who visited the tomb.

The angel tells the women the good news that Jesus was not there because he had risen. If the testimony of the angel was not sufficient in itself, the angel shows the women the place where Jesus had been laid. When we see the place where they laid him is now empty, we see that the Father did not forsake Jesus, death is conquered and that we have a living friend in Jesus.

The angel gives the women a message for the disciples. Even though they had deserted Jesus and Peter had denied him, Jesus demonstrates the forgiveness we all receive in him through the plan to meet them in Galilee. Here, Jesus meets with them and commissions them to continue his mission in the world. All who believe in Jesus’ death and resurrection are reconciled to God and sent out to share the gospel on their frontlines. DR

Questions

1. How can we be sure that Jesus is alive?
2. Why is Jesus’ resurrection so important?
3. How do we meet the risen Jesus and be sent out to proclaim the good news?

Prayer

Almighty Father, we thank you that Jesus’ resurrection shows us that he defeated sin and death. Help us to meet him and be transformed by him, so that we, too, might go out into the world and share the good news of salvation in Jesus. In Jesus name, Amen.