Our Hearts Burn Within UsНамуна

He Has Risen!

“He is not here,” a most frightening find by the women and the statement made to them by the angels. This is the only place in the Gospels where Jesus not being present is the Good News. The women had gone to the tomb with their spices and ointments to anoint Jesus’ crucified body, and yet, the angels tell them, “He is not here, but has risen” (Luke 24:6).

The women ran to share the first news of the resurrection with the disciples, who did not believe them. Can you imagine the disciples thinking the women had gone mad or were hysterical? As a result, Peter, along with John (as mentioned in the Gospel of John) returned to the tomb and found it empty, with only the burial cloths lying on the stone. Jesus was not there.

As we examine the evidence of the resurrection, it is essential to recognize that in the ancient world, women were often viewed as unreliable witnesses in court. Therefore, in a culture where men in power did not take women seriously, the fact that the resurrection story includes women serves as a compelling reason to believe in the historical accuracy of this account. Matthew, Luke, and John all acknowledge the women for being the first to witness and testify to the resurrection of Jesus. Verse 8 in this account states, “They remembered his words,” and their report to the disciples indicates that not only do they remember, but they also believe and proclaim.

It is not that the men do not have a relationship with the women and, because of this, do not trust them, but the news is incredible – people do not just rise from the dead. This is something that has boggled the minds of men and women throughout the ages. Yet let us consider that the resurrection is the center of our message. Paul states in Romans 1:4 that “We know Jesus is the son of God because of the resurrection.”

The resurrection is the most joyous event in all of history to date, precisely because Jesus’ body was not there. He has risen! Let us remember His words, believe in our hearts, and proclaim the Good News to all who will hear. He is Risen! To God be the Glory!

Prayer

Gracious God, we give you praise and honor and thank you for giving us your Son, Jesus Christ, to die for us, redeeming us from our sins, and to rise again, conquering death. We are so grateful today that the women and the disciples found the tomb empty and Jesus’ body not there. What a glorious moment for all! We pray that we will continue to be awakened to the power of your resurrection and the new life we have in you. Embolden us, we pray, as we remember your words, and as we believe and proclaim. Amen