Mary Magdalene and Mary, the mother of James, and Salome, came very early in the morning of the first day of the week to the sepulcher to anoint the body of Christ. As they walked, they conversed among themselves as to who would roll the stone away from the opening of the sepulcher, but as they arrived, they found the stone already rolled away, and the body of Christ was gone. The scriptures tell us that a young man was sitting there clothed in white garment and spoke to them to ease their fear. He told them that they should not be afraid because Christ of Nazareth who was crucified, and whom they sought, was risen. He continued saying that Christ had gone into Galilee and that was where they could find him. (Mark 16:1-8)

Can you imagine the excitement that they must have experienced at that moment. The scriptures said they were frightened and amazed, but Jesus had told them he wouldn’t remain in the grave. Their master was not dead. He spoke of his resurrection when telling them he would arise after three days. “For as Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale's belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.“ (Matthew 12:40) This was a sign to them, and to us as well, that confirms that he is the Messiah just as He said.

Paul states concerning the resurrection, “Now if Christ be preached that he rose from the dead, how say some among you that there is no resurrection of the dead? But if there be no resurrection of the dead, then is Christ not risen: And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain.” (1 Corinthians 15:12, 13) But Christ is risen and sits at the right hand of God the Father making intersession for you and I. He had to suffer the cross of Calvary that we might find forgiveness for our sins and be found guiltless when our time comes to leave this world and stand before the Holy One. Without the resurrection of Christ and his sacrifice on Calvary, we would be men without hope of a better existence.

He is risen. Praise God. Our faith is not in vain, and because He arose, we will also rise, following him in the resurrection on that great day when He returns to present His church unto the Father