But the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here, for he has risen, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay. Matthew 28:5-6

Until the first Easter morning, death has always been the final word. Each and every stone marking our graves has sealed the tombs of the dead. For centuries, humanity has wondered what comes after death. For some unknown reason, death captivates our imagination. We would love to take a peek and get a glimpse of the forever after. Perhaps that is because death is the only real certainty. At least it was before the resurrection of our Lord Jesus.

God raising his Son from the grave changes everything we know about death. It removes the sting of our disobedience and conquers the grave forever. As the great stone was rolled away, suddenly we can see into what was once hidden. We can see inside the grave and believe death is no more. The folded grave clothes of Christ are the only remnants of earthly life. The witness of those who encountered the resurrected Jesus is proof that God indeed kept his promise to save his people.

The world would have us believe it is all an idle tale. Non-believers would attempt to sway the belief of others, mocking them for worshiping the God they cannot see. Yet try as they might, the powers that defy God have never been able to discount the witness of those who shared in the eyewitness account of Jesus’ resurrection.

People of God, Christ is alive! Because he lives, those who believe and are baptized shall live also. This is the good news of our salvation. This is the gospel we are to share with the world. Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! Alleluia!