HE IS RISEN: Devotion for Easter Day Sunday March 27, 2016

HE IS RISEN: Devotion for Easter Day Sunday March 27, 2016

Text: Matthew 28:1 – 10     Memory verse: v 7

Beloved, Happy Easter! Today, we celebrate the resurrection of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Severally, He foretold about this day (Matt. 12:40; 17:9, 23) outside the prediction of the prophets. Mary Magdalene and her colleague came to the tomb with the mind to anoint the body (Lk. 24:1) but they met empty tomb.

The angel who announced the good news of the Resurrection to the women gave them four messages: (1) don’t be afraid. The reality of the resurrection brings joy, not fear. When you are afraid, remember the empty tomb. (2) He isn’t here. Jesus is not dead and is not to be looked for among the dead. He is alive, with His people. (3) Come, see. The women could check the evidence themselves. The tomb was empty then, and it is empty today. The resurrection is a historical fact. (4) Go quickly and tell. They were to spread the joy of the Resurrection. We, too, are to spread the great news about Jesus’ resurrection.

Resurrection of Jesus is the cornerstone of Christianity. If Christ didn’t rise from death, there wouldn’t have been any gospel today. Our gospel is simple; Jesus died for our sins, rose and will come again; so if we believe in Him, we will have eternal life. One of the messages the angel gave was go quickly and tell them. This was also the injunction Jesus gave as He resurrected. How far are you telling others about this Good News? If we are not doing that, it means that we are ashamed of Him and He will deny us at the end (Mk. 8:38).     

Food for Thought: If Jesus didn’t resurrect, what would have been our position today?

Prayer: May I never be ashamed of telling people about you, O Lord.