What Really Happened on Easter?
Wednesday, April 14, 2004
My Prayer Today
Heavenly Father, Thank You that every time I read the Easter story it ends up the same—Jesus is ALIVE! Thank You that even death could not hold Jesus down. Thank You that I have a sure and living Hope because of Jesus. I pray that as I go about this day, that You will open doors for me to share the Good News with others, and that I will see them and “walk through.” Fill me with Your Holy Spirit right now that I may be all that You call me to be and do all that You call me to do. This I pray in the strong name of Jesus, my risen Redeemer and Lord. Amen.
God's Word For Me Today
Matthew 28:1-15
1Early on Sunday morning, as the new day was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went out to see the tomb. 2Suddenly there was a great earthquake, because an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and rolled aside the stone and sat on it. 3His face shone like lightning, and his clothing was as white as snow. 4The guards shook with fear when they saw him, and they fell into a dead faint.
5Then the angel spoke to the women. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I know you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. 6He isn’t here! He has been raised from the dead, just as he said would happen. Come, see where his body was lying. 7And now, go quickly and tell his disciples he has been raised from the dead, and he is going ahead of you to Galilee. You will see him there. Remember, I have told you.”
8The women ran quickly from the tomb. They were very frightened but also filled with great joy, and they rushed to find the disciples to give them the angel’s message. 9And as they went, Jesus met them. “Greetings!” he said. And they ran to him, held his feet, and worshiped him. 10Then Jesus said to them, “Don’t be afraid! Go tell my brothers to leave for Galilee, and they will see me there.”
11As the women were on their way into the city, some of the men who had been guarding the tomb went to the leading priests and told them what had happened. 12A meeting of all the relig
ious leaders was called, and they decided to bribe the soldiers. 13They told the soldiers, “You must say, ‘Jesus’ disciples came during the night while we were sleeping, and they stole his body.’ 14If the governor hears about it, we’ll stand up for you and everything will be all right.” 15So the guards accepted the bribe and said what they were told to say. Their story spread widely among the Jews, and they still tell it today.
Reflecting on God's Word
What is the most amazing aspect of Jesus’ resurrection to you?
A Deeper Exploration of God's Word
As you review Matthew 28:1-15, record the aspects of the account that give you greater assurance that Jesus truly rose from the grave. Are there any aspects of the account that make you wonder about the resurrection?
Understanding God's Purpose
How is God’s purpose for us to worship Him seen in the Easter account in Matthew 28?
What is the most important reality you learn about God from reading Matthew 28:1-15?
Applying God's Word to Our Lives
What is the one thing you most need to apply from today’s reading in your life right now?
Thoughts...A Personal Celebration...
Today, April 14, 2004, marks an important milestone in the Marshall family—Nancy and I were married at Center Church in Creekside, Pennsylvania. For twenty-five years we have lived together as husband and wife. From those twenty-five years of married life, I have learned a great deal about God’s love and forgiveness through Nancy. She has lived up to her name, which means “grace,” as she has extended grace to me time and time again. Having God at the center of our marriage has been the anchor that has held it together in all the storms of life, and the more fully we look to Him in our daily lives, the more healthy our marriage has been. As with every marriage there have been bumps and potholes along the way. As with every marriage there have been mountaintops and valleys. I am so grateful to God for putting Nancy Fairman into my life in 1975, and for seeing that relationship grow to the point that we “tied the knot” on April, 14, 1979, and have continued to live together “for better and for worse, for richer and for poorer, in sickness and in health” and through the rearing of two wonderful daughters, to their current ages of 14 and 10. As you pray today, offer a prayer of thanksgiving on my behalf for providing a wonderful wife and daughters, and for His wonderful institution of marriage!