Daily Encouragementنموونە

There is a magnificent simplicity about these words in which the angel announced the resurrection of Jesus to the women.

“He is not here” - that is, in the tomb. Peter states the reason: “It was impossible for death to keep its hold on him” (Acts 2:24). Impossible, because it is unthinkable that death could finally master “the author of life” (Acts 3:15). Impossible, because his resurrection was prophesied in Scripture: “Seeing what was ahead David spoke of the resurrection of Christ” (Acts 2:31). Impossible, because it was God’s purpose to raise him: “God raised him from the dead” (Acts 3:15).

“He has risen” - that is, he was dead and is alive. Almost immediately the women would see him, as would many others - individuals such as Peter, James and Paul; groups such as the apostles and the five hundred brethren. Proofs of the resurrection were many and convincing, (Acts 1:3) necessary and divinely given.

“Just as he said” - that is, in his references to his resurrection before he went to the cross. Never did he refer to his death without speaking of his resurrection: “I lay down my life - only to take it up again“ (John 10:17).

“Come and see the place where he lay” - that is to say, there was an actual tomb, a real stone, a literal resurrection!