Jesus Is Risen

Jesus Is Risen

Q: Who discovered Jesus’ empty tomb?

• a. the women who followed Jesus
• b. Peter and John
• c. all the disciples together

When Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus buried Jesus’ body, the religious leaders remembered that Jesus had said he would rise again, so they placed guards to watch the tomb and make sure no one would steal Jesus’ body (see Matthew 27:62-66). But this did no good. Jesus was the Son of God, and nothing humans did would keep him from rising again as God planned.

On the first day of the week, an angel rolled back the stone from the tomb. This wasn’t so Jesus could get out. He didn’t need the stone moved for that. The angel moved the stone so the women who came to the tomb could see that Jesus was gone.

The women were afraid, but the angel spoke to them: “Don’t be afraid! I know you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He isn’t here! He is risen from the dead, just as he said would happen. Come, see where his body was lying. And now, go quickly and tell his disciples that he has risen from the dead.” The women were filled with joy, and they ran to tell the disciples that Jesus had risen as he said.

Jesus’ death and resurrection is the key to our salvation. His death was to pay the penalty for our sins. Because he became the sacrifice for sin, we can be forgiven and have eternal life. We can be filled with joy at Jesus’ resurrection, just as the women at the empty tomb were.

For You

Rejoice in Jesus’ resurrection not just once a year at Easter but always, because his resurrection gives us hope. We can have a new beginning and the promise of eternal life.

Answer: a

Early on Sunday morning, as the new day was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went out to visit the tomb.   Matthew 28:1

(The Whole Story: Matthew 27:62–28:7; Mark 16:1-8; Luke 24:1-10; John 20:1-18)