Memorize: Mark 16:9 Now when Jesus was risen early the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had cast seven devils.
I want you to join me in singing these songs “He arose! He arose! Hallelujah! Christ arose!” “His alive amen, His alive, Jesus is alive forever His alive amen.” My soul doth magnify the Lord and my spirit praise His name, for death could not hold Him captivity even in the grave, Jesus is Lord”. I can imagine the sadness and helplessness the disciples must have felt as the news of Jesus’ death was reported to them. When they placed Jesus’ lifeless body in the tomb, they realized that this was it – this was the end of Jesus. He was dead. And like anyone of us when faced with death, an almost unbearable sadness and emptiness overwhelmed them Jesus was gone.
The women who went to visit the grave early on the Sunday morning expected to find the dead body of Jesus in the tomb. With heavy hearts they came to complete his burial by finishing what they had hurriedly started on the eve of the Sabbath.
The grave was empty. But try to imagine what it was like for those women and the disciples when they heard that a dead person was now alive. They knew for certain Jesus was dead and had been buried in a tomb. The grave had been sealed tight with a huge rock. Roman guards were positioned by the tomb to prevent Jesus from coming out. Suddenly,they heard the message of the angel, “He is not here; he is risen”. Jesus was alive. To hear this message and then over the next few weeks see Jesus “in the flesh”, talking with them, eating with them, walking with them – that must have been an amazing time. Their hopes must have been restored, faith grew back and strength came upon them.
O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?
If you take Jesus out of Easter, then you’ve got nothing left. I’m glad our Easter celebrations don’t end with Good Friday. Yes, Jesus died but he also rose again. Hallelujah!!!
May the power of resurrection work for you in Jesus name.
Happy Easter Monday.
Prayer point: O Lord my God, let your power of resurrection work in me, Amen.
Key Dose: Resurrection is the hope of a believer.
Pastor James Ademuyiwa
Senior Pastor (IHPCT)
