Matthew 28:1-10 (NIV)
After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb.
There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men.
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.”
So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples. Suddenly Jesus met them. “Greetings,” he said. They came to him, clasped his feet and worshiped him. Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me.”
Devotion
The most important question is, was Jesus raised from the dead? Is the resurrection a fact? Everything depends on this. This is the fundamental tenet of Christianity. The resurrection is the most amazing of all His miracles. As important as all His other miracles were, this stands forth as the one of greatest significance. Jesus staked everything on this. He stated on several occasions that no sign should be given except this. If He did not rise again, He had failed; it was a complete defeat and repudiation. If He did triumph over death, then He was all that He claimed to be, He and all His claims were vindicated. If Jesus was who He claimed to be, then there are implications for all humanity. The resurrection of Christ differentiates Biblical Christianity from all other religions.
Jesus claimed to be the divine Son of God sent into this world to reconcile humanity to God. Jesus claimed to come from heaven to reveal God to humanity. Jesus claimed He was able to forgive sins. Jesus claimed to be the Way, the Truth and the Life! Jesus claimed to be the Resurrection and the Life!
Questions to Ponder
Do you believe in Jesus’ resurrection? What will you do with all the claims of Jesus? Do you believe?
Prayer
- Pray that God would continue to solidify the reality of the resurrection in your heart.
Pray for yourself and others to have an even greater desire to share Jesus daily. - Pray for those in hospitals, clinics being treated for the virus or other serious health issues – pray they know Jesus and will share the good news.
- Ask the LORD to reveal to you 3 people whom you can pray for and share the gospel with. Ask the LORD how you can serve them and bless them with no strings attached.
- Pray for the people who had significant influence on your life/walk with the LORD. Text them a thank you!
I love You LORD. You are my God and there is no other! You are the Risen Lord, the Resurrection and the Life! Thank You for saving me! As I spend time with You in Your word and through prayer, help me to continue to abide in You throughout the day. Holy Spirit infill me and cause Your love to overflow from my life to all those around me. When I get distracted, lead me back to Your heart. LORD, cause Your love to compel me to “go” and “tell” others about You, even if that looks like sending a text or posting something on social media. God, make me like Mary in John 20:18, who after talking with You went out and said, “I have seen the LORD”. Lord, lead me and grant me a joyful heart to share! In the Name of Jesus Christ, I ask, amen.