Easter Sunday - The Risen Lord

Before the sun had fully risen, the women made their way to the tomb. The air was cool. The city still quiet. Their steps were steady, but their hearts were heavy. They came expecting to mourn. Instead, they found something else entirely.

The stone had been rolled away. Not slightly moved but completely removed. The tomb stood open. Inside, it was empty. No struggle. No disorder. Only the quiet absence of the One who had been laid there. Then came the message: “He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.” (Matthew 28:6). The words must have seemed almost too much to grasp. Fear gave way to astonishment.

Peter and John ran to the tomb. They saw the linen clothes lying, undisturbed, and began to understand. Mary lingered. Grief still held her until she heard a voice: “Mary” (John 20:16). In that moment, everything changed. She turned and answered, “Rabboni.” It was Him. Alive.

Later, behind closed doors, the disciples gathered in fear. Then suddenly, He stood among them. “Peace be unto you” (John 20:19). The fear that had filled the room was replaced with something new, something steady, certain, and lasting. He was not a memory. He was present.

Easter Sunday is the turning point of the entire story. It is the moment where sorrow gives way to joy, where fear is replaced with confidence, and where death itself is overcome.

The resurrection shows us:

Victory over death – the grave could not hold Him

The certainty of hope – what was promised has been fulfilled

The assurance of faith – Christ is risen, and therefore we stand secure

This is not simply a moment to remember. It is a truth to live by.

The stone is rolled away. The tomb is empty. The Saviour lives. And everything has changed.