The resurrection is an event. Read John 20:1-8. Each year on Easter Sunday, we celebrate the event of the resurrection. On the third day after being crucified on a cross at Calvary, Jesus rose from the grave. The dead came to life. Sin was conquered. Death was overcome. The event gives us hope for eternal life. The Apostle Paul wrote that, if we believe in the resurrection and confess “Jesus is Lord”, we shall be saved. The gospel writer Mark records that Mary, the mother of Jesus, Mary Magdalene, and Salome were the three women who went to the tomb to anoint Jesus’ body. The burial of Jesus happened so quickly that his body was not properly prepared. They brought spices and wondered how they would remove the stone so they could enter the tomb to prepare the body. They were surprised to find that the stone had been removed. A bigger surprise was that Jesus’ body was gone. The biggest surprise was that two angelic figures told them, “He is not here. He is risen.” They were eyewitnesses to these events. They were some of the first to believe in the resurrection. The women saw and believed. They reported what they saw to the disciples. Peter and John ran to the tomb. They saw and believed. Put yourself at the empty tomb, see, and believe that Jesus is the resurrection and the life, the Messiah, the Son of God. The event that we celebrate each Easter is the most awesome event of all. As we begin a new week, let us be full of hope because the God who raised the dead is at work in us and among us.

Prayer: Most powerful and loving God, we believe in the resurrection and the life. Our lives belong to you. This day belongs to you. Bring the dead to life and renew us. Amen.