Pre-crucifixion: “Jesus began to tell them that He would be killed, but three days later he would rise from the dead. He talked about this openly with his disciples.” Post-resurrection: “The women were shocked, but the angel said, ‘Don’t be alarmed. You are looking for Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He isn’t here! He is risen from the dead!” Mark 8:31-32; 16:5-6.
How quickly we forget. Jesus said that He would come alive after he had died. They knew of the Lord’s resurrection power as he had brought individuals back to life. The daughter of a synagogue leader, Jairus, was brought back to life. A widow’s only son was being carried in his own funeral procession. Jesus stopped the procession, touched the coffin, spoke the word and the boy came back to life! Lazarus, friend of Jesus, He brought back to life. Yet, early on resurrection morning, there was not a man to be found at the tomb expecting His appearance. At least, some women showed up to anoint His body, a traditional kindness. “Very early on Sunday morning, just at sunrise, they went to the tomb.”
A widow’s only son was being carried in his own funeral procession. Jesus stopped the procession, touched the coffin, spoke the word and the boy came back to life! Lazarus, friend of Jesus, He brought back to life.
This Easter Season, a hymn written by Alfred H. Ackley (1887-1960) reminds us that: “I serve a risen Saviour, He's in the world today; I know that He is living, whatever men may say; I see His hand of mercy, I hear His voice of cheer, And just the time I need Him He's always near. In all the world around me I see His loving care, and tho my heart grows weary I never will despair; I know that He is leading thro' all the stormy blast, the day of His appearing will come at last. Rejoice, rejoice, O Christian, lift up your voice and sing eternal hallelujahs to Jesus Christ the King! The hope of all who seek Him, the help of all who find, none other is so loving, so good and kind. He lives, He lives, Christ Jesus lives today! He walks with me and He talks with me along life's narrow way. He lives, He lives, salvation to impart! You ask me how I know He lives: He lives within my heart.”