The Resurrection

1After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb.

2There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. 3His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. 4The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men.

5The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. 6He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay.7Then go quickly and tell his disciples: ‘He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.’ Now I have told you.”
(Matthew 28:1-7)

Thoughts: When did Jesus rise from the dead? It was a Sunday.  Most Christians worship on Sunday because Jesus rose then.  On Easter many churches have sunrise services remembering that Jesus rose- and this was discovered early in the morning- at dawn.  Each week we worship on Sunday as a celebration of Easter.
      The women were worried how the stone would be rolled from the mouth of the tomb.  But an angel rolled it and appeared at the tomb.  The angel didn't mind scaring the guards, but to the women who came to care for Jesus' body he said, "Fear not."  The angel basically said that if you don't believe me then believe the empty tomb.  Today we can still see the empty tomb in Jerusalem.  It was renovated this year.  In many years the date for Easter is different for the Orthdodox/eastern Christians and the western Christians.  But this year Easter coincides, and therefore it is extra special.  Let us all unite in bearing witness that not only is the tomb empty- but the Lord is risen just as He said. 

Prayer: Lord, Thank you that you are alive.  Your hope fills my soul.  May it flow out of my life to others.  

1st century Jewish tomb-
The stone was on a slot that rolled across the tomb's mouth.