The Good News

Easter Sunday                                                                                            April 20, 2025

Luke 24:1-12

But on the first day of the week, at early dawn, they came to the tomb, taking the spices that they had prepared. 2 They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, 3 but when they went in, they did not find the body. 4 While they were perplexed about this, suddenly two men in dazzling clothes stood beside them. 5 The women were terrified and bowed their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, “Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here, but has risen. 6 Remember how he told you, while he was still in Galilee, 7 that the Son of Man must be handed over to sinners, and be crucified, and on the third day rise again.” 8 Then they remembered his words, 9 and returning from the tomb, they told all this to the eleven and to all the rest. 10 Now it was Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the other women with them who told this to the apostles. 11 But these words seemed to them an idle tale, and they did not believe them. 12 But Peter got up and ran to the tomb; stooping and looking in, he saw the linen cloths by themselves; then he went home, amazed at what had happened.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for the glorious resurrection of Your Son, Jesus Christ. As we delve into Your Word today, may our hearts be filled with joy and our spirits lifted in celebration of the good news that is ours in Christ. Amen.

Introduction

Easter Sunday is the day that we gather to celebrate the most pivotal moment in Christianity—the resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ! It’s a time of rejoicing, a time of hope, and a time when we proclaim with enthusiasm the Good News that has transformed our lives and the world around us! So, let’s dive into the Word of God as we explore Luke 24:1-12.

The Resurrection Changes Everything

The simple truth is this: the resurrection is the cornerstone of our faith! It is not just a good story; it is the definitive moment that infuses our lives with eternal hope. The women, filled with sorrow, came to the tomb expecting to find death but were met with a miraculous proclamation of life! “He is not here; He has risen!” (Luke 24:6). This announcement represents a seismic shift in how Jesus’ followers would begin to view death, sin, and our relationship with the Divine.

Just as spring breathes life into creation, bringing forth flowers, trees, and vibrant colors, we too experience a rebirth in Christ. Romans 6:4 reminds us that “We were buried with him by baptism into death, so that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, so we also might walk in newness of life.” The English language is woefully inadequate in describing the transformation that occurs when we accept the grace of Christ. The best word theologians have come up with is rebirth, so I will use this language, too. In our rebirth, we embrace a new reality—a reality where the weight of sin no longer holds us down but instead propels us into the transformative power of grace.

The Call to Share the Good News

Not only is the resurrection a monumental victory for all believers; it is also a call to action! After realizing the tomb was empty, the angels instructed the women to share the good news with the disciples, saying, “Go and tell!” (Luke 24:9). We have a responsibility to announce the joy of the resurrection to others! But this is not a chore or burden placed upon us by Christ. Because through our rebirth into new life, we are excited to share what God has done for us! This is the Good News!

In a world filled with despair, depression, and hopelessness, we can be bearers of hope! The resurrection equips us to spread joy, light, and love. As we celebrate Easter today, we should also reflect on how we can share this news with those around us. What about our coworkers, family members, or neighbors who do not know about the rebirth available in Christ? Our commission is clear—let's share the transforming message of the resurrection.

The Living Hope

Easter is a celebration of the living hope we possess through Jesus Christ. 1 Peter 1:3 proclaims, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! By his great mercy, he has given us a new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.” Our resurrection hope is not mere wishful thinking; it’s a confident assurance!

Just like nature, we are dynamic beings, continually growing and transforming in our walk with God. Just as the earth awakens from its winter slumber to burst forth with new life, we too are called to awaken to the possibilities of our faith. As we journey through life, let us remember that even in times of trial, despair, or uncertainty, we have a living hope—a hope that assures us of new beginnings, fresh starts, and the promise of eternal life. This is the Good News!

Conclusion:

Today, as we celebrate the resurrection, let’s embrace the good news with joyful hearts! Let’s rejoice in the transformative power of Christ—for He has risen! Let’s share this good news passionately with the world around us, becoming instruments of His hope and love.

May the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ echo in all that we do, transforming ourselves and those who need to hear this life-giving message. May we walk in the light of His resurrection, joyfully proclaiming and celebrating this Good News: “He is not here; He has risen!” Amen!

Bibliography

NIV Study Bible. Grand rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2011.

"NRSVue." NRSVue Holy Bible with Deuterocanonical/Apocryphal Books of the Old Testament. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2022.

Powery, Emerson B., et al., The Westminster Study Bible. Louisville, KY: Westminster John Knox Press, 2024.