“The angel told the women, “Don’t be afraid, because I know you are looking for Jesus who was crucified. He is not here. For he has risen, just as he said. He is not here. For he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples, ‘He has risen from the dead…’ Matthew 28:5-7a CSB

“The angel told the women, “Don’t be afraid, because I know you are looking for Jesus who was crucified. He is not here. For he has risen, just as he said. He is not here. For he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples, ‘He has risen from the dead…’ Matthew 28:5-7a CSB

Happy early Easter! Next Sunday is Easter. The tomb is empty. What a day of worship and joy and celebration. Our Lord is risen, He is alive, He saves us. But Holy Week also asks us to look at the events leading up to that empty tomb. The jealousy, the betrayal, the denial, the beatings, the mocking, and the crucifixion. The death of our Lord. Jesus chose to experience all of that to save us.

The Empty Tomb

My sin sent Jesus into the world as a human baby.

His love made Him leave heaven and come to earth.

My sin sent Jesus to Jerusalem for the Passover.

His love washed the disciples’ feet, servant to all.

My sin betrayed, arrested, and convicted Him.

His love demanded Him to keep His silence.

My sin beat and crowned His head with thorns.

His love accepted all that was done to Him.

My sin nailed Him to the cross.

His love kept Him there to die.

My sin buried Him in a tomb.

His love conquered death so that I can live with Him!

This week, remember the events of Holy Week, but rejoice in the empty tomb. Jesus is risen and lives with us and for us.

I thank God for each of you! And I thank you for joining me this week as we celebrate the empty tomb, and all that Jesus did for us.

Blessings and rejoicing! Happy Easter!