Resurrection Celebration: The Women At The Empty Tomb Rejoiced
The Resurrection of Jesus: A Victory That Brings Joy and Hope
The resurrection of Jesus is one of the greatest victories of all time. In His resurrection account, we find joy, hope, and the power of new life. Although I am writing this during the season when His death and resurrection are celebrated, the message of the Resurrection Celebration is one we can reflect on year-round.
After the crucifixion of Jesus, sorrow filled the hearts of His followers. Even today, reading the account of His suffering—being despised, beaten, and crucified—stirs deep emotions. It is hard not to grieve as we consider the weight of His sacrifice.
But sorrow was not the end of the story. When the women approached the empty tomb, their grief turned to joy. And just as their sorrow didn’t last, neither should ours. The reality of the risen Christ invites us to move from mourning to celebration, rejoicing in the victory of His resurrection.
The Women’s First Response: Fear and Great Joy
Sometimes, we can get lost in our feelings and understandings, much like the women at the tomb. They were on their way early on that Sunday morning, expecting to continue the burial process for Jesus' body. I can imagine how they were feeling—without hope, sad, and lost. They were expecting to find the tomb sealed, just as it had been after His death.
“And when they looked, they saw that the stone was rolled away: for it was very great.” – Mark 16:4
These women were observant, always watching—at His crucifixion, at His death, and now at His tomb. Their dedication and faithfulness through these painful moments stand as a powerful testament. They had witnessed His suffering and burial, but this moment would change everything.
Faithful Followers: The Women at the Tomb
“And Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of James, and Salome, had bought sweet spices, that they might come and anoint him.” – Mark 16:1
Now, don’t get lost in the different vantage points of the gospel accounts. While Mary Magdalene often appears prominently, she wasn’t alone. Among her were other women: Mary the mother of James, Salome, and Joanna, among others. Together, they approached the tomb with grief, but what they would soon experience would turn their mourning into celebration.
The Life-Changing Moment: Why Seek the Living Among the Dead?
“And as they were afraid, and bowed down their faces to the earth, they said unto them, Why seek ye the living among the dead? He is not here, but is risen.” – Luke 24:5-6
As they stood before the empty tomb, they were about to experience the greatest transformation of their emotions and perspectives. What they thought was an end was only the beginning. The open tomb marked the start of the resurrection story—a story of victory, joy, and renewal. This is where we begin the celebration of the risen Savior, just as they did, in awe and wonder.
Resurrection Celebration: The Joy That Overcame Fear
I’m going to move on to the celebration. You can read the rest of the resurrection accounts in the Gospels of Matthew 28, Mark 16, Luke 24, and John 20. These passages all tell of the incredible moment when the women experienced the joy and hope that came with the resurrection.
The Moment of Rejoicing
But let’s focus on that moment of rejoicing—the moment when the angels reminded them of Jesus’ words. In my paraphrasing, they essentially said, “He is risen, just like He told you before.” This moment marked the transition from grief to joy and hope.
“And they departed quickly from the sepulchre with fear and great joy; and did run to bring his disciples word.” – Matthew 28:8
While there was some awe and fear due to the presence of the angels and the amazing events unfolding, their joy was overwhelming. This reminds me of why we call the gospel the "Good News"—the joy and excitement of the resurrection were so great, they couldn’t leave fast enough to share it with the disciples and everyone else they could find.
The Women’s Response: Sharing the Good News
Can you relate to that overwhelming feeling of rejoicing, when something so good and life-changing happens that you can’t wait to tell others? That’s exactly how these women felt. This was the beginning of the celebration of the resurrection, and it didn’t stop there. As they were on their way to the disciples, they met Jesus Himself, and they began to worship Him.
This is where hope meets faith. Their hope now fully restored, and their faith deepened as they saw the risen Savior face to face. What a great reason to rejoice! The resurrection wasn’t just an event; it was a powerful confirmation of everything Jesus had said and promised. And for us today, it still serves as the foundation of our hope and faith.
Why We Should Rejoice Like They Did: The Victory Over Sin and Death
While I often think about the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, it brings me such joy and renews my hope during times when life piles up on me. But the women at the tomb remind me to rejoice in the resurrection of our Savior because His resurrection brings us life.
Although the women were eyewitnesses to the empty tomb and physically saw Jesus after His resurrection, we can rejoice even more. Their experience, while profound, points us to an even greater joy—one we experience through faith. As Peter writes:
“Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.” – 1 Peter 1:8-9
Living Hope: The Power of the Resurrection
Jesus' resurrection holds a profound meaning for our faith. Because He died for our sins and was raised to make us right with God, His resurrection guarantees that we, too, will be resurrected to eternal life with Him. This is not just a promise but a living hope we cling to.
“Because I live, ye shall live also.” – John 14:19
The same power that raised Jesus from the dead is still at work in us today. His resurrection didn’t end at the tomb; it continues to give life to those who believe in Him.
“O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?” – 1 Corinthians 15:55
Oh, I’m not going to stop there—there are more reasons to rejoice just like those women at the tomb. Just as Jesus promised He would rise again, He has shown that He is true and faithful to His promises. The empty tomb is proof that His Word never fails.
“Thy faithfulness is unto all generations: thou hast established the earth, and it abideth.” – Psalm 119:90
“For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen.” – 2 Corinthians 1:20
Is this not a reason to rejoice? I envision myself now, walking with the women at the tomb, sad and with hope dwindling, and then immediately being filled with joy and hope, rejoicing in the resurrection of our Risen King Jesus Christ. Holding onto His feet, so happy, so overwhelmed, so full of gratitude for His victory over death and sin.
Responding to the Resurrection: Sharing the Good News with Joy and Hope
I pray that the resurrection of Jesus does the same for you—filling you with hope and encouraging you to reflect on how His resurrection impacts us today. His victory over sin and death is not just a past event but a present reality, one that calls for a response. Just as the women at the tomb responded with joy and went to share the good news, we, too, should share the gospel of Jesus with those around us.
As we reflect on the Resurrection Celebration, we are reminded that it is not only a time for personal rejoicing but also for spreading that joy. The women didn’t keep the message to themselves; they ran to tell others. In the same way, we are called to share the hope we have in Jesus, proclaiming His resurrection and the life it brings to all who believe.
Let the resurrection of our Savior fill your heart with joy and your life with hope, and let this be a celebration that continues to echo in your life and in the lives of those you encounter. May we, like the women at the tomb, be filled with such overwhelming joy that we can’t help but share the good news of Jesus Christ with the world.
Want to dive deeper into the resurrection? Check out more articles and devotionals on our website for insights and inspiration to carry the resurrection celebration in your heart every day.
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