An Easter devotional begins at an empty tomb. In Matthew 28:5-6 (ESV), the angel tells the women not to fear, because the crucified Jesus they are looking for is alive, just as he promised, and invites them to see the empty place where he had lain. Jesus is alive. Death is defeated. Because he lives, there is hope for you.
Key Verse
“He is not here, for he has risen, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay.” (Matthew 28:6, ESV)
The Women Who Came First
Matthew tells us the women who came to the tomb were the same women who had watched the crucifixion and seen where Jesus was buried. They had stayed when others fled. On Sunday morning they came back, not expecting resurrection, but intending to honor his body. The religious leaders had sealed the tomb and posted a guard, worried that the disciples would steal the body.
Into that guarded, sealed place God acted. The earthquake, the angel, and the empty tomb were God’s answer to every attempt to keep Jesus dead. And the first witnesses of the risen Lord were faithful women, whose testimony would not even have counted in a court of that time. God chose them to carry the greatest news ever told.
Early Sunday Morning
Early Sunday morning, two women named Mary came to the tomb. A great earthquake struck. An angel moved the stone away and sat on top of it. The guards shook with fear and fell down as if dead. The women came expecting to grieve, and instead they encountered the greatest news in history.
The stone was not rolled away to let Jesus out. It was rolled away to let the witnesses in.
Do Not Be Afraid
The angel’s first words were comfort: do not be afraid. The resurrection is not a threat to those who seek Jesus. It is the end of fear’s power. Death, the greatest fear, has been conquered. The angel reminded them that Jesus had risen just as he said. His promises can be trusted.
If Jesus kept his promise to rise, he will keep every other promise he has made to you.
Come and See
The angel invited them to come and look at the spot where he lay. Christian faith is rooted in history, not wishful thinking. The tomb was empty. Jesus appeared to many witnesses. The early church grew because people who had seen the risen Lord could not stop talking about him.
Then the angel sent the women to tell the disciples. Easter joy is meant to be shared.
Living as Easter People
The resurrection means our sins are truly forgiven, death is not the end, and Jesus is Lord over all. It means grief can be held with hope and suffering is not meaningless. Today, celebrate. Sing loudly. Share the news. He is risen!
Easter Beyond Sunday
Easter Sunday is one day, but the resurrection shapes every day after it. Think about what it would mean to live this week as an Easter person. When you face a fear, remember the angel’s words not to fear. When you grieve, remember the empty tomb. When you are tempted to believe nothing will change, remember that God raised Jesus to life.
Consider reading the resurrection accounts in all four Gospels over the next week. Notice how each witness responded to the risen Jesus. Then ask God to give you the same joy and boldness. The news the women carried still changes lives today, including yours.
Today, Try This
Tell at least one person today, in your own words, why the resurrection of Jesus matters to you.
Reflection Question
How does the empty tomb change the way you face your fears today?
Prayer
Risen Lord Jesus, you are not in the tomb. You have risen, just as you said. Thank you for defeating sin and death. Fill me with Easter joy and courage. Help me live as one who knows you are alive, and help me share this good news. Hallelujah, amen.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Matthew 28:6 mean?
Matthew 28:6 (ESV) records the angel announcing that Jesus is not in the tomb because he has been raised, just as he promised. It confirms the bodily resurrection of Jesus and the reliability of his promises.
When is Easter in 2027?
Easter Sunday falls on March 28, 2027. It follows Palm Sunday on March 21 and Good Friday on March 26, and it celebrates Jesus rising from the dead.
Why is the resurrection important for Christians?
The resurrection shows that Jesus is God’s Son, confirms that his sacrifice for sin was accepted, defeats death, and guarantees that believers will also be raised. Paul says that without it, our faith would be futile.
Keep Reading
- Explore more: Gospel studies
- Read more daily devotionals
- The narrow way: what the narrow gate means (Matthew 7:13-14)
- Related: our devotional: Acts 1:8 Devotional
- Related: our devotional: Devotional on Boldness
- Related: John 20 Bible Study: The Empty Tomb and Mary Magdalene
- Related: Holy Saturday Meaning
- Related: Easter Devotional for Families