Note: This is the conclusion of Charisma’s Holy Week series.
The Sabbath had passed, and the first day of the week had arrived. It was early in the morning when Mary Magdalene and some other women—who had watched from a distance as Jesus was buried—came to the tomb to finish the burial rites. With heavy hearts, they carried spices to anoint His body. The world had been silent since His death, but this new day would be anything but ordinary.
As they approached the tomb, they were startled to see that the stone, which had been sealed and guarded, was rolled away. The tomb was empty. In their confusion and shock, they entered the tomb, only to find two angels in dazzling white sitting where Jesus’ body had been.
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“Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here, but He is risen! Remember how He spoke to you when He was still in Galilee, saying, ‘The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again.’”
(Luke 24:5-7)
The angels’ words pierced their hearts: He is risen! The despair that had gripped their hearts now began to give way to wonder and awe. What they had feared, what they thought was the final chapter, was in fact only the beginning of a new story—a story of hope, redemption and eternal life.
The women ran to tell the disciples, but they could scarcely believe the news. Yet Peter and John, in a rush of excitement and confusion, ran to the tomb. John, younger and faster, reached the tomb first but hesitated. Peter, ever the bold one, arrived second and immediately entered the tomb. What they saw astounded them: the linen burial clothes were still lying there, and the cloth that had been wrapped around Jesus’ head was folded neatly. It was clear—Jesus was gone, but He had not been stolen. He had risen just as He said.
“And he saw and believed.”
(John 20:8)
The disciples were left with more questions than answers. At this point they did not fully understand the Scriptures and they returned home, but Mary Magdalene stayed behind at the tomb, weeping. In the midst of her sorrow, she turned and saw a figure whom she did not recognize at first—Jesus Himself.
“Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?”
(John 20:15)
When Jesus called her name, “Mary!” her eyes were opened, and she recognized Him. She cried out, “Rabboni!” (which means “Teacher”). Jesus told her not to hold onto Him, for He had not yet ascended to the Father, but He gave her a message to take to the disciples.
“Go to My brethren and say to them, ‘I am ascending to My Father and your Father, and to My God and your God.’”
(John 20:17)
Mary Magdalene was the first to be entrusted with the greatest news the world would ever hear: He is risen!
Meanwhile, the rest of the disciples gathered, and later that day Jesus appeared to them. They were gathered in a locked room, still reeling from the events of the past days. Jesus appeared among them and said, “Peace be to you!” (Luke 24:36). They were terrified at first, thinking they had seen a ghost. But Jesus showed them His hands and feet, proving it was truly Him. He ate with them, ensuring they understood that He was alive in the flesh.
“Why are you troubled? And why do doubts arise in your hearts? Behold My hands and My feet, that it is I Myself.”
(Luke 24:38-39)
In that moment, the weight of despair that had so heavily burdened them was replaced with joy beyond measure. The Resurrection was not merely a fact to be believed, but the living hope that would transform their lives, empower their witness and forever change the course of history.
As the disciples marveled at the miracle unfolding before them, Jesus gave them the Great Commission—sending them to share the good news with the world, baptizing and teaching others to follow His commands. The Resurrection was not only a victory for Jesus, but the first step in God’s plan to bring salvation to all who would believe.
Thus, in one glorious moment, the stone was rolled away, the tomb was empty and the risen Christ appeared—victorious over sin, death and the grave. The world would never be the same.
Let the Resurrection of Jesus Christ be the foundation of our faith and the source of our hope. For in His victory, we too have victory.
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Prepared by Charisma Media Staff.
