“He is not here. He has risen!” — Mark 16:6 

Happy Resurrection Sunday! 

Today, we celebrate the greatest victory in history—the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ! We think about Him every day, but today, we pause to remember the moment that changed everything. 

Let’s take a closer look at Mark 16:1–8, and the world in which this moment unfolded. 

The Setting: Jerusalem, Around 30 A.D. 

Jesus had been arrested and crucified just outside the city walls of Jerusalem, the religious and cultural heart of Israel. This was during the Jewish Passover festival, one of the most sacred times on the Jewish calendar, drawing thousands of pilgrims from all over the region. 

At that time, Israel was under Roman occupation. The Roman Empire ruled the land, and their local governor, Pontius Pilate, was the one who ultimately sentenced Jesus to death, though he knew Jesus was innocent. He gave in to pressure from the religious leaders and the angry crowd. 

The Jewish religious leaders, especially the Pharisees and the high priest Caiaphas, had grown increasingly threatened by Jesus—His authority, His following, and His teachings about the Kingdom of God. They plotted to silence Him, and they thought the cross had done just that. 

Jesus died on Friday afternoon and was placed in a borrowed tomb in a garden near Golgotha, the place of crucifixion. A large stone was rolled in front of the entrance, and Roman soldiers were stationed there to keep anyone from tampering with the tomb. 

Saturday—the Sabbath—was quiet. The city that had shouted “Hosanna” one week earlier was now still. Jesus’ followers were devastated, confused, and afraid. All hope seemed lost. 

The Resurrection: Early Sunday Morning 

But everything changed early that Sunday. 

Three women—Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome—went to the tomb to anoint Jesus’ body. They were grieving, but they wanted to honor Him. 

As they walked, they wondered, “Who will roll the stone away?” 

To their surprise, the stone was already rolled back. Inside, they didn’t find Jesus—they found an angel, sitting where His body should have been. The angel said: 

“And he said to them, “Do not be alarmed. You seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has risen; he is not here. See the place where they laid him.  
(Mark 16:6) 

The angel gave them a task: “Go, tell His disciples and Peter that He is going ahead of you into Galilee.” 

These women—faithful, fearful, yet full of wonder—became the first witnesses of the resurrection and the first messengers of the Good News. 

Why It Still Matters 

This moment took place in a real city, under a real government, with real historical figures. It’s not a legend—it’s a world-shaking event rooted in history. 

And yet, it’s more than just a historical fact. It’s a personal invitation. 

Like those women, we are called to share what we’ve seen and heard. You don’t have to be a scholar or a preacher—just someone who knows that Jesus is alive and is willing to say so. 

So on this Easter Sunday, and every day after, let us be found faithful. Let us carry the message: Jesus is alive! He has conquered sin, death, and the grave—and He is still changing lives today. 

Prayer 

Lord, we believe that you are the Christ, the Son of the Living God. That is our message and that is our fuel for this life. Please, Lord, on this day and every day, help us to be found faithful with our witness. We love you. We give you all the honor and all the praise. It is in your name we pray. Amen.