Easter Joy

“The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. 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.” Matthew 28:5-7

Easter Sunday is a day full of expectation and joy. It is a day to remember that death did not have the final word, because He is Risen! But for the people of Jesus’ time, that Easter morning wasn’t filled with hope and joy, yet. They awoke not knowing what we know. Matthew tells us that Mary and some other women went to the tomb to finish preparing Jesus’ body. They went expecting him to be dead and expecting his body to be in the tomb.

Imagine their fright when they arrived to see the stone rolled away and an angel sitting atop it. The scene was so frightening that even the Roman soldiers fainted out of fear. So, it is no wonder that in Matthew 28:5 the angel said “Do not be afraid”. The angel spoke directly to the women’s questions and fears. He told them that no one took Jesus, he wasn’t stolen or moved, rather, he had risen! And as if to seal the deal he invited them to enter the tomb and see for themselves that Jesus was not there.

Upon hearing from the angel and seeing the tomb, Matthew 28:8 tells us “the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples.” They obeyed the angel, and could not wait to share the Good News. Their fear did not completely disappear, but they trusted that Jesus was truly alive and they responded with joy and worship. Those women’s days started in sorrowful mourning and ended in joyful celebration.

Easter remains a day of joyful celebration for us. When we recognize that the tomb was empty, we too embrace a great truth. The truth that the Father did not forsake Jesus, that death did not have the final word, that Satan is conquered, and our Savior is alive! That is amazing news, worthy of worship. Like the women we may still have some fears but God invites us to trust the Resurrection and let its truth plant joy and hope deep in our hearts.

The Resurrection is Good News meant to be shared eagerly with those around us. Just like the women and disciples, we are invited to respond in joy and worship for all Christ has done for us. As you walk through this week after Easter Sunday, reflect: How has the Resurrection changed your life and brought you joy? In what ways is God calling you to eagerly share the Good News?

Prayer

Lord, we are so grateful that Jesus is alive. He is risen! He is our Savior, our risen Lord, and our king of kings. What amazing news that is! As we walk through this week may the Easter story sink deep into our hearts and fill us with joy and hope. May we respond with grateful worship to you. And as we continue past this Easter let the truth of the Resurrection not fade. But let us continue to find ways to share your Good News with those around us. We praise and thank you. We pray this in the name of Jesus, our risen Savior, Amen.

Blessings in your week,

Makalah Scholten
Spiritual Care Coordinator

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