Station 13: Buried in the Tomb

Matthew 28:1-7 

1 After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb.

2 There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. 3 His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. 4 The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men.

5 The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. 6 He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. 7 Then go quickly and tell his disciples: ‘He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.’ Now I have told you.”

FOR FURTHER READING:
Matthew 27:57-66 | Luke 23:50-56

REMEMBER

Upon Jesus’ death, a man requested to bury Him in his own personal tomb, so He could have a proper burial. He secured Jesus’ body in the tomb and rolled a stone in front to ensure a peaceful rest. The chief priests became concerned that the disciples would steal the body and make an “act” as if Jesus had risen from the dead, so they sent guards and sealed the tomb. This made the truth of Jesus’ resurrection that much more powerful.

After the Sabbath, the women went to look at the tomb, to pay their respects and remember their friend, Jesus. They felt the earth quake and heard a booming voice say, “Do not be afraid… He is not here; He is risen, just as He said.” The beautiful part of the story is not only that Jesus defeated death, but that He didn’t just wait for His friends to find Him. He left death behind and went out to meet His friends and disciples where they were. Just as death could not hold Jesus, it cannot hold back the promises and power of God, and it will not stop Him from chasing after you.

RECOGNIZE

Most importantly, Jesus wants you to know He has conquered death so you don’t have to. Yes, our life on earth will come to an end, but it’s not really the end. He rose, just like He said He would, and He raises us up too. Your old life can be left behind, here at the tomb. Your new life in Christ can now be full of a joy and peace and the hope of life eternal.

Consider the things you have felt defeated by. Take time to lay down your burial clothes of discouragement; leave what is dead behind. What are you leaving at the tomb today? 

Jesus has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you! What are words of encouragement God is giving you today for new life?

RECEIVE

Spend a few moments asking for God’s resurrection power in your life.

Jesus, death could not hold You. Hell could not keep You. Pain could not deter You! You gave up Your life for me, and You have invited me to surrender my life to You. Resurrect my hope! Return my joy! Awaken my faith. Give me power to overcome, in Jesus’ name, Amen!