A Glorious Morning
Jesus’ faithful friends watched the crucifixion from a distance. In helpless misery, they listened hour after hour to His cries. It was heartbreaking to watch their beloved Master die! Surely that day, as God’s wrath against sin was poured on His own perfect Son, had been the harshest hour in human history.
Could it be that only this week Jesus had triumphantly ridden into Jerusalem before cheering crowds? Now, within twenty-four hours, He had been betrayed, tried, condemned, and crucified. To Jesus’ followers, life seemed hopeless.
Late on the afternoon of the crucifixion, two honorable men named Joseph and Nicodemus came to the cross. They had not been following Jesus openly because they were afraid of the Jewish leaders. These men who loved Jesus pulled out the nails that had been driven into His hands and feet by men who hated Him. They wrapped His body in linens fragrant with sweet spices. Then they laid Him in a new tomb.
The next day some priests and Pharisees went to Pilate. They said, “This deceiver once said that in three days He would rise again. Now issue an order to have the tomb guarded. Otherwise His disciples may come and steal the body, claiming that He arose from the dead. That would be the worst deception of all!” So Pilate commanded that the tomb must be guarded day and night.
Very early the next morning, a great earthquake shook the tomb. A blinding light flashed on the sleepy soldiers standing guard. It was an angel from heaven, with a face like lightning and a robe as white as snow. The terror-stricken guards shook like leaves before him, completely helpless. In power and great glory, Jesus rose from the dead. The angel rolled the huge stone away from the entrance and sat on it.
Meanwhile, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and other women were coming toward the tomb. They were frightened when they saw the angel. But he said kindly, “Do not fear. I know you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here, for He is risen! Go quickly and tell His disciples.”
The women fled from the tomb, trembling and speechless. Their hearts were filled with fear and great joy.
Matthew 27:55-66; 28:1-10
Mark 16:1-14
Luke 24:1-49
John 20:1-23
The women are astonished to see an angel in the tomb.
Parents:
declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead. (Romans 1:4)
Children:
1. Who guarded the tomb?
2. Who rolled away the stone?
3. What did the angel say to the women?