He Is Risen

On that first Easter morning, as dawn broke over Jerusalem, something extraordinary happened that would change the course of human history forever. The tomb was empty. The stone was rolled away. And the world would never be the same.

Picture the scene: Two women, hearts heavy with grief, make their way to Jesus' tomb. They carry spices, a final act of love for their departed teacher. But as they approach, the ground beneath their feet begins to tremble. An earthquake shakes the very foundations of the earth, as if creation itself is heralding a cosmic shift.

Suddenly, they're face to face with an angel, his appearance as brilliant as lightning. The guards, hardened Roman soldiers, fall to the ground in terror. But to these faithful women, the angel speaks words that still echo through time:

"Don't be afraid! I know you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He isn't here! He is risen from the dead, just as he said would happen." (Matthew 28:5-6)

In that moment, everything changed. Fear met joy in a collision of emotions that would ripple out across the centuries. The empty tomb became a symbol of hope that continues to speak into our lives today, whispering (and sometimes shouting): "Do not be afraid—the King is alive!"

Let's explore three profound truths that the resurrection reveals:

1. The Empty Tomb Means Fear Has Lost Its Power

We all carry fears. Fear of failure. Fear of the unknown. Fear of death. But the empty tomb declares that these fears have been defeated. When Jesus walked out of that grave, He didn't just conquer His own death—He conquered the very power of death itself.

Think about it: What is your greatest fear? Now imagine rolling away the stone and finding that fear has lost its grip on you. The resurrection tells us that no matter what we face, we don't face it alone. The One who defeated death stands with us, saying, "Fear not."

This doesn't mean we won't feel afraid. But it does mean that fear no longer has the final word in our lives. We can face our challenges with courage, knowing that the same power that raised Jesus from the dead is at work within us.

2. The Resurrection Turns Grief Into Great Joy

Matthew's account tells us that the women ran from the tomb "afraid yet filled with joy" (Matthew 28:8). It's a beautiful paradox that captures the essence of the Christian experience. Joy and sorrow often coexist in our hearts, but the resurrection assures us that joy will have the final word.

This isn't a shallow happiness that ignores the realities of pain and suffering. Easter joy is born in the shadow of the cross. It acknowledges the wounds, the tears, and the brokenness of our world. But it declares that love is stronger than hate, that life triumphs over death, and that hope can bloom even in the darkest places.

Where do you need this resurrection joy today? In your relationships? Your work? Your innermost struggles? The empty tomb invites us to bring our grief to Jesus, trusting that He can transform it into "great joy."

3. Jesus Himself Meets Us on the Journey

Perhaps the most beautiful part of the resurrection story is that Jesus doesn't remain distant. He doesn't send a message or stay in some far-off heavenly realm. No, He shows up personally to meet His followers.

"And as they went, Jesus met them and greeted them. And they ran to him, grasped his feet, and worshiped him." (Matthew 28:9)

This is the heart of Easter—not just an empty tomb, but a living Savior who comes to meet us where we are. He doesn't wait for us to have everything figured out. He doesn't demand that we clean ourselves up first. He comes to us in our confusion, our doubt, and our pain.

Have you had a personal encounter with the risen Jesus? Not just knowledge about Him, but a heart-transforming meeting? He still meets people today—in hospital rooms, in lonely apartments, in the midst of chaotic lives. And when we truly see Him, worship is the only appropriate response.

A New Mission: Go and Tell

Both the angel and Jesus give a clear instruction to those who encounter the empty tomb: "Go and tell." The good news of the resurrection isn't meant to be kept to ourselves. We are now carriers of this incredible hope.

This gives our lives a new purpose and direction. We're called to:

- Speak life where there's death
- Announce hope where there's despair
- Live as walking proof that Jesus is alive

The empty tomb compels us to action. If we truly believe that death has been defeated and that Jesus offers new life to all who trust in Him, how can we remain silent?

"I Am the Resurrection and the Life"

At the heart of the Easter story are Jesus' own words, spoken before His death but fully realized in His resurrection:

"I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in me will live, even after dying." (John 11:25)

Notice the present tense: "I am." Not "I was" or "I will be," but "I am." Right now. Right here. Resurrection isn't just a past event or a future hope—it's a present reality embodied in a person. And His name is Jesus.

This Easter, as we reflect on the empty tomb, let's allow its truth to penetrate our hearts anew. Let it challenge our fears, transform our sorrows, and ignite our passion to share this good news with a world in desperate need of hope.

The grave is empty. Death has been defeated. Love has won. And Jesus, the Resurrection and the Life, invites each of us into a life-changing encounter with Him.

Will you accept His invitation?