"Now after the Sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to look at the grave. And behold, a severe earthquake had occurred, for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and came and rolled away the stone and sat upon it. And his appearance was like lightning, and his clothing as white as snow. The guards shook for fear of him and became like dead men.
The angel said to the women, 'Do not be afraid; for I know that you are looking for Jesus who has been crucified. He is not here, for He has risen, just as He said. Come, see the place where He was lying.'" -Matthew 28:1-6 (NASB)
The angel said to the women, 'Do not be afraid; for I know that you are looking for Jesus who has been crucified. He is not here, for He has risen, just as He said. Come, see the place where He was lying.'" -Matthew 28:1-6 (NASB)
Jesus was crucified. His body was taken and placed in a tomb, complete with a large boulder blocking the opening and guards to prevent any tampering with the grave site. As Mary Magdalene and Mary approached the tomb, an angel rolled away the stone to reveal an empty tomb!
It's a story that's familiar during the Easter season. The prophecy of Jesus' resurrection was forgotten in the midst of the grief and fear surrounding the crucifixion, but the "open door" to an empty tomb served as a reminder (and proof) that Jesus is the Son of God.
The "open door" to the tomb has significance for each of us. It is through that open door - the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus - that we are forgiven and saved from the consequences of our sin. God's plan of redemption for all of mankind rests in His one and only Son. It is through the open door of Jesus' empty tomb that the door to Heaven is open to us!
Take time to reflect on the sacrifice of Jesus and be thankful for all that God has done and is doing in your life. Walk past the rolled away boulder, through the open door, into the empty tomb, and up to the open gates of Heaven by acknowledging and accepting the gift of God's salvation through His Son.
Prayer:
Dear God-
Thank You for the open door to an empty tomb that allows me to open the door to Heaven and eternal life with You. Help me to never take this gift for granted and to share this gift with others. Through Jesus, Your risen Son, I pray, amen.
It's a story that's familiar during the Easter season. The prophecy of Jesus' resurrection was forgotten in the midst of the grief and fear surrounding the crucifixion, but the "open door" to an empty tomb served as a reminder (and proof) that Jesus is the Son of God.
The "open door" to the tomb has significance for each of us. It is through that open door - the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus - that we are forgiven and saved from the consequences of our sin. God's plan of redemption for all of mankind rests in His one and only Son. It is through the open door of Jesus' empty tomb that the door to Heaven is open to us!
Take time to reflect on the sacrifice of Jesus and be thankful for all that God has done and is doing in your life. Walk past the rolled away boulder, through the open door, into the empty tomb, and up to the open gates of Heaven by acknowledging and accepting the gift of God's salvation through His Son.
Prayer:
Dear God-
Thank You for the open door to an empty tomb that allows me to open the door to Heaven and eternal life with You. Help me to never take this gift for granted and to share this gift with others. Through Jesus, Your risen Son, I pray, amen.
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