Many women had followed Jesus and taken care of his needs while he was alive. These included Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James and Salome. As soon as the Sabbath was over, they set out very early to anoint Jesus' body. They loved Jesus so much. As they cared about him in life, so now they cared for him as best they could in his death. As they went toward the tomb, they wondered who might roll away the giant stone sealing the tomb. But when they arrived, the stone had already been rolled away. When they looked in the tomb, there sat a young man in a white robe, but Jesus was not there. It was very unexpected and alarming.

The young man spoke to them. He knew them, he knew why they were there, and he told them about Jesus, "He has risen! He is not here." This is how the resurrection was first testified. There was an empty tomb and the message from this young man. He told the women to tell Peter and the other disciples that Jesus has risen and would go ahead of them into Galilee. Instead, the women fled and said nothing to anyone. In the same way, we are given the message, "He has risen. He is not here." We testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus with these words and an empty tomb.


Application: Lord, Jesus has risen. I can never see this with my eyes, but it is your message. Help me to proclaim it today.
One Word: Jesus has risen