He is Risen

Early on the first day of the week, just after the Sabbath had ended, a group of faithful women made their way to the tomb, not expecting a resurrection, but prepared to anoint a dead body. Their hearts were heavy with sorrow, their minds clouded with confusion. But what they found would change the world forever. Matthew 28:5–6 tells us, “And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified. He is not here: for he is risen, as he said.” With those words, fear gave way to faith, and mourning turned to marvel.

It’s worth noting who received this world-shaking message first—not kings or priests, not the Roman officials or even the disciples, but women whose devotion led them to a tomb in the darkness of morning. In a time when society offered them little status, Heaven gave them the honor of being the first witnesses to the resurrection. The angel’s message was simple, yet infinitely profound: “He is not here.” The tomb was not robbed—it was vacated. Death could not hold the Author of Life. The crucified One had conquered the grave.

But the angel didn't stop with proclamation—he gave instruction: “Go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead” (Matthew 28:7). The resurrection wasn’t a secret to be hidden, but a victory to be announced. Those women became the first evangelists of the risen Christ, running with trembling joy to share the news. Their sorrow had become their testimony. The risen Jesus would soon appear to them Himself, meeting them in their fear, calming their hearts, and receiving their worship.

This morning, we too are invited to come near and hear the same message: He is not here, for He is risen. The tomb is still empty. The hope is still alive. And the command remains—go and tell. Let the angel’s words echo in your soul. Let the resurrection reshape your perspective, your priorities, and your purpose. Whatever you’re carrying today—grief, fear, uncertainty—lay it down at the empty tomb. The same Jesus who rose from the dead meets you in your need. He is risen, just as He said—and nothing will ever be the same again.