Now after the Sabbath, toward the dawn of the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb. And behold, there was a great earthquake, for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and came and rolled back the stone and sat on it. But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here, for he has risen. Matthew 28:1-2, 5-6a ESV

Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. John 15:13 ESV

Happy Easter! Last week we talked about Palm Sunday and how Jesus was welcomed into Jerusalem. But as Holy Week progressed Jesus was convicted and beaten and hung on a cross. He died and was buried in a tomb. All his disciples and followers were sad and afraid. And we said, “But the good news is coming on Easter…”

Can you guess what the good news is from our title? Yes! The good news is that Jesus is alive!

Jesus was in the tomb Friday and Saturday and rose from death on Sunday! The two women, who were followers of Jesus, came to the tomb early on Sunday morning to put spices on Jesus’ body. But when the women went to the tomb an angel was sitting on the stone that was rolled away from the opening. The angel told them the good news that Jesus was alive.

How do you think the women felt? What do you think they did next? They looked into the empty tomb to see for themselves. Then they went to tell the disciples and other followers that Jesus was alive.

Our second verse is what Jesus said to His disciples on the day before He died. Jesus knew He would die, not just for His disciples but for all of us, for anyone who would believe in Him and all He has done for us.

Jesus loves us! Jesus loves you! If you were the only person, He would still have died to save you!

Jesus’ love:

 brought Him to earth as a baby,

healed sick people and gave sight to the blind,

fed the 5,000 and the 4,000,

told parables about the kingdom of heaven,

went to Jerusalem for the Passover,

put Him on the cross to die for us,

raised Him from death, so we can live with Him forever.

This week talk with your parents and give thanks for all that Jesus did for us because He loves us!

Blessings, love, and joy that Jesus is alive!