Passion Week: He Is Risen!

Matthew 28:5-8

One of my favorite sayings that our previous pastor, Al Meredith at Wedgwood Baptist Church in Fort Worth, used to say is "May we never get over the cross." It was his way of saying, "May we never forget the incredible cost and suffering of Jesus that took place there because of the ugliness of our sin." Remembering the cross is important because it instills in us a sense of humility and awe at what Jesus did for us.

As Christians, we must always keep Easter Sunday before us as well. If Easter didn't happen, there would be nothing "good" about Good Friday. Just like the women and the disciples, there should be a burden in our lives because of the death of Jesus. We should mourn over our sin and feel the tremendous weight and burden it brings because our sins mean certain death. However, Jesus didn't stay in that tomb. The angel said to the women, "He is not here, for He has risen, just as He said." Jesus overcome death and hell to set people free from the burden and bondage of sin. The grave could not hold Jesus, and for those who place their faith in Christ, the chains of sin can no longer bind us.

The angel gives two commands to the women that we should all live up to today.
Come and see: every person stands in need of salvation. All have sinned and need forgiveness. You and I are invited to come and see that Jesus is the Savior that provides the forgiveness we need.
Go and tell: Once we have accepted Jesus as Savior and Lord, we are commissioned to tell others what we have experienced. We should seek opportunities to tell others what Jesus has done for us.

My prayer is that you find great joy in the resurrection of Jesus. It is through His resurrection that we have freedom from sin and hope for our eternity. Even as you enjoy your salvation, be quick to tell others about Jesus as well. The people around us need that joy that believers in Christ have been given.