Easter Family DevotionalSample

The Empty Tomb

How do you think Jesus’ friends felt that Easter Sunday morning? Their Friend, the One who walked with them, talked with them, the One who fed them, laughed with them, healed them and taught them, was gone. All their hopes of a better future were sealed in the tomb with Jesus' lifeless body. They woke up early on that Easter Sunday morning, completely hopeless and overwhelmed with sadness and disappointment.

And then in one moment, everything changed. First, with an earthquake and then, if that’s not enough, a bright shining angel appears and rolls the massive stone away from the door to the grave. What a surprise! This was not what the two Marys were expecting. The soldiers were so frightened they fainted and fell down. And wow, what an exciting message the angel gave.

I’m sure they didn’t quite understand everything, but in an instant, hopelessness turned to hope, sadness to great joy. In that moment, everything changed, not just for the Marys and the disciples but for everyone. That empty tomb now means that we can have forgiveness for all the wrong things we’ve done, and just like the disciples, we can have a friendship with Jesus.

The story gets even better as the two Marys then bumped into Jesus Himself. Later, He gave the disciples that incredible promise, “I am with you always, even to the end of the world.” The wonderful thing about that promise is that it isn’t just for the disciples or the two Marys. That promise is for everyone.

Because of Easter Sunday when Jesus rose from the grave, we have the hope that no matter what we walk through, Jesus is with us always, even to the end of the world.

RESPONSE/ACTIVITY

Today, as you enjoy Easter eggs, why don’t you take a moment and share why you think Jesus' death is so important. You might not realise it, but the hollow Easter egg represents the empty tomb on Easter Sunday.

Can you share why his resurrection is so important?

TODAY’S PROMISE

Matthew 28:20 (NLT)
“Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

PRAYER

Dear God, thank You so much for sending Your Son, Jesus, to die for my sins. Thank You for raising Him from the dead on the third day. Thank You that the tomb is empty, and that means we always have a living Hope.