Scripture

Suddenly there was a great earthquake! For an angel of the Lord came down from heaven, rolled aside the stone and sat on it.

Observation

On Sunday morning after the crucifixion the two Marys go to the tomb. There is an earthquake, and an angel rolls the stone away from the entrance to the tomb and sits on it.

The angel speaks to the women and declares the good news that Jesus has risen from the dead, as He said He would be. He tells them to go to the other disciples with the message that they are to go to Galilee where Jesus will meet them.

The guards go into the city to tell the priests what has happened. The priests and elders bribe the guards to tell their superiors that the disciples came and stole the body in the night after the guards had fallen asleep.

Application

An earthquake announced the death of Jesus and another earthquake announces that He is alive. This is earth shattering news!

The seal of men, together with the large rock were meant to keep people out and the body in. But neither is a match for God.

Jesus did not need to move the rock to escape the tomb. He walked through walls and locked doors.

The stone was moved for our benefit so that we would know with certainty that Jesus really is alive.

Sin is dead and death has been defeated. This is the amazing news of the gospel.

There is so much fear around at the moment. In the midst of the pandemic, death seems to be winning. But Jesus tells us that, for His followers, death no longer wins. We will die, but it will be a new start, an entry into eternal joy with our Father.

Prayer

Hallelujah! Lord you have won the victory. No fear will hold me captive because you have broken the chains of death. Amen.