Victory comes from “the empty tomb.
(John 20;Luke 24;Mark 16; Matthew 28)
After the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, His body was placed in a cave-like tomb that had been carved out from solid rock. A large heavy stone was rolled in front of the entrance to seal it. Jesus’ enemies, the Jewish religious leaders responsible for His death, asked Pontius Pilate (Roman governor) to secure the area because they remembered that Jesus had spoken of His own resurrection.
Pilate provided Roman guards and placed a Roman seal on the tomb stating that removal of the stone would be punishable by death. If any Roman soldier were to fall asleep while on duty, the whole group would be put to death. Security was extremely high. Early on the first day of the week, a sudden earthquake shook the area and an angel of the Lord, who looked like lightning and was clothed with white, rolled back the tombstone and sat on top of it. The guards were so afraid that they shook and dropped like dead men. Some of the guards went to the city to tell the chief priests what had happened. The priests and elders came up with a plan to hide the facts of the resurrection. They paid off the guards with a large sum of money and told them to say that they fell asleep while the disciples stole the body. They said they would protect them if the Roman governor (Pilate) had any questions.
Meanwhile, Mary Magdalene, another Mary, and other women approached the garden where the tomb was located bringing spices to prepare the body. Each gospel gives an account of how the women were told by angels that the tomb was empty and that Jesus had risen from the dead. Those that looked inside the tomb saw the linen cloths laid out where Jesus’ body had laid. They were instructed not to be afraid but to go and tell the disciples. Mary Magdalene, whom Jesus freed from seven devils, was the first person that Jesus appeared to after His resurrection. Jesus later appeared to the other women as they were on their way to tell the disciples. Although the disciples didn’t believe them at first, Jesus later appeared to them and they started their journey to change the world by spreading the gospel of Jesus’ love.
Paul the apostle stated that without the resurrection, our faith would be in vain. Our Christian faith is based on Jesus’ death and confirmed by His resurrection. Multiple witnesses saw Jesus during the forty days after He arose from the grave. When Jesus rose from the dead, He also gave us His resurrection power to overcome challenges in our lives. The Bible says that the same spirit that raised Christ from the dead, dwells in us. Victory comes from the “empty tomb.” Jesus came to give us life and life more abundantly. Dare to live it. (Rom. 8:11; I Cor. 15:14)
Personal Development Tip:
Remember that the same spirit that raised Christ from the dead dwells in you and you don’t have to lean on your own strength when going through challenges in your life. Pray in faith and speak God’s word.
Prayer for the week:
Dear heavenly Father, as I celebrate my salvation I am thankful that You have forgiven me of all my sins, past, present, and future. Thank You Jesus for providing me with total healing in my body, mind, and heart. As I believe I am saved, I believe I am totally healed from the top of my head to the bottom of my feet because the same spirit that raised Christ from the dead dwells in me and empowers me in all I do in Jesus name, Amen.
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Remembering Holy Week: Litwithprayer