Matthew 28:1–10 (ESV)
Now after the Sabbath, toward the dawn of the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb. And behold, there was a great earthquake, for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and came and rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing white as snow. And for fear of him the guards trembled and became like dead men. But the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here, for he has risen, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples that he has risen from the dead, and behold, he is going before you to Galilee; there you will see him. See, I have told you.” So they departed quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to tell his disciples. And behold, Jesus met them and said, “Greetings!” And they came up and took hold of his feet and worshiped him. Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid; go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee, and there they will see me.”
It was early. So early that the sun wasn’t even up yet. But they had to go. They had waited through another sleepless night and wept their way into an hour that seemed somewhat respectable. They could wait no longer; they HAD to see Him. Never mind that none of His disciples would go with them. Those who had reassembled in the Upper Room where that last Passover Seder had been held, were too anxious or ashamed to show their faces. Peter would never let himself live down his denials. John was planning a return trip to Galilee with His mother. The rest had been in and out, all in varying degrees of disbelief – trying to discern what to do next.
And so, the women headed out on their own. Wondering who would let them in when they got there. Most likely the guards wouldn’t want to, and so the women spent the first few minutes of their journey producing a planned speech of sorts that would persuade at least a few of them. They would do whatever was needed to make sure their Rabbi (teacher) received the proper burial He deserved. That’s what they were calling Him now wasn’t it? Rabbi. No longer Lord, or Christ. If nothing else, He had been a brilliant teacher, and One they dearly loved. Surely there was shame in still calling Him that. Everyone could agree that He had…..
Wait.
What was that?
Was the Earth shaking again?!?!?
Yes, it was. Another earthquake. What was going on?!?
They were running now. Not sure if it was towards safety or out of shock, but they were running towards the tomb. As they took the final turn towards the tomb that held their friend, a light. Brighter than the sun which was appearing in the east. It was like nothing they had ever seen before.
Wait.
Was that?
An angel?!?!
It was! He was sitting on the stone.
“Do not be afraid! I know you are seeking Jesus who was crucified. He IS NOT here. He is RISEN as He said! Come and see the place where He lay.”
He was right. The tomb was EMPTY. This could not be happening. Surely this was a dream. They looked at each other in disbelief. Perhaps their minds were playing tricks.
“Someone pinch me”
No need. This was real. The grave clothes lay folded where He had been. The stone sat rolled off to one side. One thing was for sure, He was not there.
“Go and tell His disciples HE IS RISEN! He is going before you to Galilee. He will meet them there!”
They were running again. Back to that Upper Room. Back to the place and people filled with sadness, with excitement and elation. He was not there. The tomb was EMPTY death had not won!
Wait.
Is that?
It can’t be.
IT IS.
Jesus. Right there. Flesh and bone. Body and blood.. They fell, their faces to His feet – and as they saw the holes they knew – it was HIM.
He is risen!
He was ALIVE! He was who He claimed to be. Son of God and Son of man – death’s defeater has overcome the grave!
Everything He promised has come true. Death is not the end. Sin is not our story. Instead it will be resurrection – because He has conqured death with life!
Get out the palms! Plan the parade! Jesus Christ, Israel’s one TRUE King – is ALIVE!
