Scripture: Luke 24:1–8
“Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; He has risen!”
The Dawn That Changed Everything
Early in the morning, before the sun had even risen, the women went to the tomb. Their hearts were heavy, their eyes red from tears, their hands clutching spices meant for burial. Everything about that moment screamed finality. Jesus was dead. Their hope was gone.
But when they arrived, the stone was rolled away. The tomb was empty. And two radiant messengers spoke words that changed human history: “Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; He has risen!”
The story of Easter is not just about a miracle that happened then—it’s about a reality that continues now.
Jesus is alive. Not metaphorically, not symbolically, but literally and eternally alive. The same Jesus who healed the sick, welcomed sinners, and calmed the storm is alive and reigning today.
The resurrection is not the end of the story—it’s the beginning of everything new.
The Death of Death
When Jesus rose, He didn’t just come back to life; He defeated death itself. The cross was not a tragedy to be pitied but a triumph to be proclaimed.
The apostle Paul wrote it best:
“Death has been swallowed up in victory. Where, O death, is your sting?” (1 Corinthians 15:54–55)
Because Jesus lives forever, death no longer defines us.
Our failures don’t have the final word. Our grief doesn’t have the final word. Even the grave doesn’t have the final word. Jesus does.
And His word is life.
When you stand at a graveside, when you face loss or loneliness, when life feels like a sealed tomb—remember that the resurrection wasn’t just a one-time event. It’s God’s eternal declaration that nothing is impossible for Him.
The Resurrection Still Happens
We often think of Easter as a date on the calendar. But resurrection isn’t confined to springtime—it’s a daily invitation.
Every day that you wake up and choose forgiveness over bitterness—resurrection is happening.
Every time you believe again after disappointment—resurrection is happening.
Every moment you lift your eyes from despair and say, “I still trust You, Lord”—resurrection is happening.
Jesus didn’t rise just to prove His power; He rose to share His life with us.
Because He lives, we can live—fully, freely, fearlessly.
We are resurrection people in a world that still clings to the tomb.
The Living Christ in a Dying World
The risen Christ is not locked in the pages of history. He walks among us today.
He meets us like He met Mary in the garden, calling our names when we least expect it.
He walks beside us like He did with the disciples on the road to Emmaus, opening our eyes to grace right in front of us.
He appears behind locked doors, bringing peace to our fears and breathing His Spirit into our lives.
We don’t follow a memory—we follow a living Savior.
And this living Jesus still transforms lives, still redeems stories, still brings light into the darkest corners of the human heart.
So when you wonder if your situation is too far gone, remember: God has already proven that nothing is too dead for Him to raise again.
Living in Resurrection Power
The resurrection isn’t just something to believe in—it’s something to live out.
It means we forgive as Christ forgave.
We serve with joy, even when it’s hard.
We love without fear of rejection.
We give generously because we trust that God provides.
To live in resurrection power means we no longer have to be defined by the wounds of Friday or the silence of Saturday.
We live in the light of Sunday morning—where the tomb is empty and Jesus is alive.
So whatever tomb you’ve been staring at—whether it’s regret, loss, addiction, or shame—listen closely. You may hear the whisper of angels saying, “He is not here. He is risen.”
Reflection Questions
- What “tomb” in your life might God be calling you to leave behind?
- How can you live as a person of resurrection hope this week?
- Who needs to hear that Jesus still brings life out of death?
Prayer
Risen Lord, thank You for the victory You won over sin and death.
Remind us daily that You are alive and at work in this world.
Let Your resurrection power flow through us—bringing forgiveness, courage, and hope to every corner of our lives.
Help us live as people of the empty tomb, proclaiming with joy that You are risen and You live forever.
Amen.
R Y A N S T R A T T O N 