Key Verse: “When they entered the tomb, they saw a young man dressed in a white robe sitting on the right side; they were alarmed. 6 “Don’t be alarmed,” he told them. “You are looking for Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they put him. (Mark 16:5-6 CSB)
On the third day, after the crucifixion of Jesus, Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of James went to the tomb where Jesus’ body had been put following His death. They had brought spices to anoint His body, as was the custom.
But when they arrived at the tomb, they were shocked with what they discovered. The large stone that had been placed in front of the entrance of the tomb had been rolled back. Then, as they entered the tomb, they found a young man dressed in white sitting on the right side. Most significantly, the body of Jesus was gone.
What had happened? Where was the body? Had someone stolen it? Did they accidentally go to the wrong tomb? What was going on? Needless to say, the women were “alarmed” by all of this. The angel spoke to them. “Don’t be alarmed, “ he told them. “You are looking for Jesus of Nazareth who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they put him” (v.6).
Put yourself in the shoes of the women. What would have been going through their minds as they found the tomb of Jesus empty? What would it have been like to hear the words that Jesus had risen? There are arguably no greater words that have ever been spoken.
Why is this so significant? Why do we make such a big deal about the empty tomb? The Apostle Paul wrote that, “if Christ has not been raised, then our proclamation is in vain, and so is your faith” (1 Corinthians 15:14). He also wrote, “And if Christ has not been raised, then your faith is worthless; you are still in your sins” (1 Corinthians 15:17).
Apart from the resurrection of Jesus Christ, our faith and mission is a colossal waste of time. Without a risen Saviour, there is no hope, no salvation, no eternal life with God. We might as well pack it all in and find something else to do with our lives.
But Jesus Christ has risen. He has risen indeed! Jesus died for our sins and was buried, according to the Scriptures. But He was also “raised on the third day, according to the Scriptures” (1 Corinthians 15:4). Death couldn’t hold Him. The tomb was and still is empty. He got up and walked out. Look for yourself where they put Him. He is not there. He is alive!
Now, because He lives, so can we. Because He is victorious, we can now walk in victory and freedom. Because He has conquered, we can live in His unending love as more than conquerors (Romans 8:37).
So what do we do with this all? The angel in the tomb on that first resurrection morning told the women, “But go, tell his disciples and Peter” (v.7). This is the most fitting response to encountering a resurrection. We can’t keep the news to ourselves. We need to tell the world that Jesus Christ is alive. We must boldly declare that Christ the Lord has risen today. Hallelujah!
Prayer: Jesus, I declare again today the awesome truth that you are alive. You are my risen Saviour! Because you live, I can have new life and victory. Grant me courage today to tell the world this incredible news. Amen.
Author: Jonathan Miller has served in pastoral roles for more than 13 years in churches in Barrie, Oakville and Burlington, Ontario. He currently serves as the Chief Operating Officer at Prison Fellowship Canada, a ministry that mobilizes and equips local churches to engage in the restorative work of prisoners, ex-prisoners, their families, and victims across Canada. Jon holds degrees from McMaster University and Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. He and his wife Adrienne have been married since 2004, and live in Burlington, Ontario with their 4 children. Jon’s greatest passion is to know Jesus and to see lives transformed by Him and for Him.
