We finally come to one of the most important days on the Christian calendar—the culmination of Holy Week.

The first Resurrection morning did not begin with celebration. It began quietly.

Like His birth, the moment was entrusted to unlikely witnesses.

Early that morning, several women—Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Salome, and Mary, the mother of James—made their way to the tomb.

Carrying spices.
Carrying grief.
Carrying love that had not yet let go.

They asked one another:

“Who will roll away the stone?” (Mark 16:3)

But when they arrived, the stone was already moved.

Suddenly, the ground shook. An angel appeared. And fear gave way to something else—

“Do not be afraid… He is not here. He has risen, just as He said.” (Matthew 28:5–6)

Not stolen. Not misplaced. Risen. The tomb was empty. Death had been undone.

🌿 The Turning

At first, they struggled to understand. Some thought His body had been taken. Peter and John ran to see for themselves—finding only grave cloths… and a folded linen.

But Mary remained. Weeping. Waiting.

And then—a voice.

“Woman, why are you weeping?”

In that moment—everything changed. Jesus stood before her. Alive.

Later, He appeared to the others—to Peter…
to the disciples on the road…
to those gathered behind closed doors in fear.

Not as a memory. Not as a spirit. But alive.

🌿 The Fulfillment

This was not an unexpected ending. It was the plan all along. What had been promised was now fulfilled.

As 1 Corinthians reminds us:

“…if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile…”

But He has been raised. Death no longer owns Him. And because He lives, everything changes.

🌿 What This Day Means

From the beginning, God had declared what would come—a victory over sin, over death, over the enemy itself.

What looked like defeat on Friday…was the crushing of the serpent’s head. Yet that day was only the beginning.

Christ, the firstfruits, opened the way for all who believe. What seemed like the end… was only the beginning.

🌿 Resurrection Leads to Relationship

This is not just a moment in history. It is a living invitation for you, for me, for all.

Because He lives, we are not left at a distance.

Because He lives, we are invited near.

Because He lives, we can know Him.

Because He lives, we can walk with Him.

Because He lives, we can live in the power of His resurrection.

As Paul writes:

“I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of His resurrection…” (Philippians 3:10)

Not just one day a year. But every day.

🌿 Reflection

Resurrection is not just something to celebrate. It is something to live from.

The same power that raised Jesus from the dead is at work in us and through us. Breathed life in us when we were dead in sin. Today is about applying the truth—the power of the resurrection to our everyday lives every day.

And so we must ask the question—

How has the resurrection impacted your life? And what will you do with it?

🙏 Prayer

Lord, thank You that the grave was not the end. That what looked final…was only the beginning. You are alive. And because You live—I have hope. I have life. I have a future. Teach me to walk in that truth—not just today…but every day. Hallelujah!! I'm so thankful Jesus is alive! Amen.

_______
© 2026 Jan Ross
All Rights Reserved

“Sit often under the influence of God’s Word.”🌻
www.janross.org/devotions/

Enjoy today’s devotion? 

Forward to a friend and let them know where they can subscribe (hint: it’s here). 

Want to share what God is doing in your life? Submit a short story to include in a future devotion.

Anything else? Send me an email at [email protected]!

👉 Want to create your own blog or website? Or know someone who's thinking about it? Use my referral link to get started! (Note: I earn a small commission at no additional cost to you if you use the referral link. Thank you for your support!)