Easter, Our Hearts For The Resurrection Series

Easter, Our hearts for the resurrection

Written by Senior pastor Ndayiragije-Misigaro Joel. March 28, 2024

Matthew 28:2–7 (NLT): "Suddenly there was a great earthquake! For an angel of the Lord came down from heaven, rolled aside the stone, and sat on it. His face shone like lightning, and his clothing was as white as snow. The guards shook with fear when they saw him, and they fell into a dead faint. Then the angel spoke to the women. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I know you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He isn’t here! He has risen from the dead, just as he said it would happen. Come, see where his body was lying. And now, go quickly and tell his disciples that he has risen from the dead, and he is going ahead of you to Galilee. You will see him there. Remember what I have told you."

INTRO

Easter, our hearts for the resurrection means hope and renewal. It reminds us of the power of faith and the promise of new beginnings.

May we discover hope and rejuvenation in the promise of fresh starts that Easter brings? Let's rejoice in the victory of life over death with gratitude and joy.

May we discover happiness and optimism in the assurance of a fresh beginning. Let's rejoice in the victory of illumination over obscurity.

May we always cherish the hope and joy that Easter brings to our lives. Let's rejoice in the triumph over mortality and welcome the hope of fresh starts.

May we discover happiness and optimism in the assurance of fresh beginnings? Let's rejoice in the victory of illumination over obscurity.

If the tomb could speak, what would it reveal about the burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ after three days?

It would probably mention the extraordinary event that occurred within its walls—the incredible power and triumph of a divine victory over death. The tomb serves as a testament to the realisation of ancient prophecies and the unwavering faith held by all those who believe.

The tomb may speak softly of the moment when hope was renewed and death was overcome. It could capture the incredible experience of witnessing the immense power of love in action.

The tomb could have portrayed the somber atmosphere and silence that enveloped it, where Jesus' body rested until the radiant light and resurrection occurred on Easter morning. It could demonstrate the strength of divine love and the victory of hope over hopelessness. Perhaps the tomb would represent the gloom and hopelessness of Good Friday, then the immense joy and optimism of Easter Sunday. It could describe a remarkable change from darkness to light, representing the ultimate triumph over wrongdoing and mortality.

A. DISCUSS THE HISTORY OF THE TOMB AND ITS SIGNIFICANCE

within the framework of the community or culture it is a part of. Reflect on how the stories and memories held within the tomb can provide valuable insights into the lives and values of those who have passed away.

When one looks at the tomb, we tend to think it is the end of life, when, on the other hand, with faith and the teachings of Jesus Christ, we can see it as a gateway to eternal life.

The tomb acted as a powerful symbol, representing the shift from death to life. When Jesus was inside, the tomb experienced a newfound illumination, offering hope to those who had faith in Jesus Christ.

John 11:25–26 (NLT) Jesus told her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in me will live, even after dying. Everyone who lives in me and believes in me will never ever die. Do you believe this, Martha?”

Martha's belief in Jesus, the resurrection, and life were put to the ultimate test when her brother Lazarus passed away. However, she personally witnessed the incredible power of faith in Christ. The Bible highlights the everlasting life that followers can achieve through their belief in Jesus.

Even the followers of Jesus were filled with despair and overcome with fear; they found themselves in a state of uncertainty, unsure of their next steps. However, their unwavering belief in Christ gave them the resilience and bravery to persevere. Jesus had to strengthen their faith for the task ahead of them to spread the gospel of faith and salvation to the world only after His resurrection on the third day from the time of His appearance to them. Only then did they fully grasp the significance of their mission and the profoundness of their beliefs.

I can envision Mary Magdalene and her companions arriving at the tomb and experiencing everything they are told and witness from the angel of the Lord. Something within them begins to question their beliefs and spiritual perspective; what could this be? They seemed to have overlooked Jesus' predictions of his resurrection. Amidst the scornful remarks that echoed during the crucifixion, as documented in Mark 15:29–30, some taunted, saying, "If you can rebuild the temple in three days, then save yourself and come down from the cross!"