The Joy of the Resurrection

“He is not here; for He is risen, as He said.” . . . So they went out quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy. Matthew 28:6,8 (nkjv)

The disciples and Jesus’ other followers must have been numb with exhaustion and hopelessness on Saturday. It was the Sabbath, the day of rest. They were haunted by the memory of Jesus’ suffering, and the shocking and rapid escalation of events leading up to His death (see Mark 16:10). Pilate had posted guards at the tomb, should anyone come and try to steal His body. The two Marys, devoted followers to the end, had stayed with Jesus’ body, watching as Joseph and Nicodemus anointed His body for burial. We know what His disciples were thinking from the story about the men on the road to Emmaus (Luke 24:13-27). Their hopes had been crushed, and they were perplexed as they tried to understand why it all happened. Saturday was a day of confusion, sorrow, and hopelessness.

But Sunday morning brought stunning news. The tomb was empty and the two Marys had seen Him with their own eyes. This was something no one expected—His resurrection! Mark tells us that the disciples were trembling with fear after seeing the empty tomb and the angel, not comprehending what had happened (see Mark 16:8).

The resurrection of Christ—His victory over sin, death, and hell is the cornerstone of our faith. Without the resurrection, Jesus was just another good man. But because of His resurrection, Paul tells us that we, too, will not have to suffer the sting of death and separation from God (see 1 Corinthians 15:54-56). He has died our death in order that we might live His life.

Let’s rejoice with Paul, “Thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 15:57, nkjv). He is risen—He is risen, indeed!

Blessed Lord, who suffered for my sake and paid the penalty for my sin, how overwhelmed I am with all You have done for me, an unworthy sinner. How can I thank You? “But drops of grief can ne’er repay, the debt of love I owe; here, Lord, I give myself away, it’s all that I can do.”[i] Amen.