Easter morning: He is not here
Today's focusAt dawn the women find the tomb empty; the angel announces 'He is risen', and Jesus himself meets them with 'All hail' and 'Be not afraid.'
Read
1In the end of the sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulchre. 2And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it. 3His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow: 4And for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead men. 5And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified. 6He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. 7And go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead; and, behold, he goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see him: lo, I have told you. 8And they departed quickly from the sepulchre with fear and great joy; and did run to bring his disciples word. 9And as they went to tell his disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, All hail. And they came and held him by the feet, and worshipped him. 10Then said Jesus unto them, Be not afraid: go tell my brethren that they go into Galilee, and there shall they see me.
Reflection
On the first day of the week, as light began to dawn, two women arrived at a place of death only to find the earth shaking and the stone rolled away. The angel’s message changed everything they knew about the grave: "He is not here: for he is risen, as he said." The empty space where the Lord lay became a testimony to his promise. You may be facing situations that feel final or cold, but this morning declares that God has the final word over the darkness.
As the women ran to share the news, they were met with "fear and great joy." It is natural to feel overwhelmed when God moves in ways we cannot explain. Yet, Jesus met them exactly where they were, greeting them with "All hail." He moved toward them in their uncertainty, inviting them to hold his feet and worship.
Today, the risen Christ meets you with the same comforting command: "Be not afraid." He is no longer in the tomb; he has gone before you. Because he is risen, you can walk forward with hope, knowing he is alive and present in your journey.
AI-written reflection on the passage above. Let Scripture itself be the main thing.
Reflect
What fear in your life is answered by the angel's words, 'Fear not… he is risen'?
Pray
Christ is risen! Lord Jesus, you have conquered sin and death. Drive out my fear with the joy of your resurrection, and send me out, like the women, to tell others.