A Present Hope or a Past Event?
April 20, 2025
Passages from Luke 24:1-12
“Why do you look for the living among the dead?
He is not here but has risen."
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Easter is far more than a date on the calendar. The women who followed Jesus from Galilee expected death when they went to the tomb, burdened by grief and prepared to anoint His body. They had seen Him crucified, pierced, and buried. But instead of finding a sealed grave, they found the stone rolled away, His body gone, and angels asking, “Why are you looking for the living among the dead?” It was only when they remembered Jesus’ words—that He would be betrayed, crucified, and rise on the third day—that everything began to make sense. Their sorrow turned to joy, and they rushed to share the news, though not all believed them. Peter ran to the tomb and was amazed, remembering what Jesus had said.
Their remembering changed everything. Easter isn’t about what we expect—songs, lilies, or chocolate—but about what we don’t: that Jesus rose from the dead and death is no longer the end. To remember Jesus’ resurrection is to let His power reshape our present. Like Paul, we are invited to know Christ and the power of His resurrection. If Jesus is risen, then today marks the beginning of new life. Our sins can be forgiven, our grudges released, and our hearts filled with worship. The resurrection means death has been defeated, and we are free to live for Him.
He is risen! He is risen indeed!
