Holy Week Day Seven
Holy Week Day 7 • Sunday, April 5
He Is Risen
Good morning, Celebration family! Today, we celebrate, as we arrive at the most glorious and hope-filled moment in all of history: the resurrection of Jesus. This isn’t just an inspiring story or a tradition we revisit on Easter—it’s the very foundation of our faith and the turning point of the world.
I am praying that as you read, the hope and power of the resurrection will meet you in the places where you need it most.
I am praying that as you read, the hope and power of the resurrection will meet you in the places where you need it most.
The account in Matthew 28 begins early on that first Easter morning. Mary Magdalene and the other Mary go to the tomb, grieving and expecting to find Jesus’ lifeless body. Instead, they are met with an earthquake, a rolled-away stone, and the radiant angel of the Lord, who declares:
"Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; He has risen, just as He said. Come and see the place where He lay."
With trembling hearts, they run to share the good news with the disciples, only to encounter the risen Jesus Himself along the way.
Imagine their astonishment. The One who had been crucified now stood before them—alive. Victorious.
Imagine their astonishment. The One who had been crucified now stood before them—alive. Victorious.
The Empty Tomb Changes Everything
The resurrection of Jesus is not just a happy ending to the story of suffering. It’s the ultimate declaration of victory over sin, death, and every force of darkness.
The tomb is empty.
Death is defeated.
Hope is alive.
Everything Jesus said about Himself is proven true in the resurrection. The grave could not hold Him. Sin could not stop Him. Death did not win.
And because Jesus rose, our faith isn’t built on wishful thinking or religious tradition—it’s built on victory. It’s built on the living hope of a risen Savior.
The tomb is empty.
Death is defeated.
Hope is alive.
Everything Jesus said about Himself is proven true in the resurrection. The grave could not hold Him. Sin could not stop Him. Death did not win.
And because Jesus rose, our faith isn’t built on wishful thinking or religious tradition—it’s built on victory. It’s built on the living hope of a risen Savior.
The Resurrection Is for Today
Here’s what I want us to really grasp this morning: the resurrection doesn’t just speak to eternity, though it absolutely does that. It also speaks to today.
It speaks to every fear, every failure, every moment of grief or despair. It speaks to addiction, shame, regret, and all the things that try to make us believe that darkness has the final word. But the resurrection declares, loud and clear: it doesn’t.
Because Jesus is alive…
That means the resurrection isn’t just a truth we celebrate once a year at Easter. It’s the living reality that reshapes everything about our lives.
It speaks to every fear, every failure, every moment of grief or despair. It speaks to addiction, shame, regret, and all the things that try to make us believe that darkness has the final word. But the resurrection declares, loud and clear: it doesn’t.
Because Jesus is alive…
- Hope is alive.
- Power is alive.
- New life is possible.
- No one is beyond redemption.
That means the resurrection isn’t just a truth we celebrate once a year at Easter. It’s the living reality that reshapes everything about our lives.
Where Do You Need Resurrection Hope?
Let’s pause for a moment and reflect:
Where do you need the hope and power of the resurrection to meet you right now?
Maybe you’re carrying grief that feels too heavy to bear. Maybe fear has been whispering lies in your ear, making you feel stuck or overwhelmed. Maybe you’re battling discouragement, wondering if anything will ever change.
Here’s the good news: the same power that raised Jesus from the dead is available to you. The resurrection speaks directly to your pain and declares that darkness doesn’t have the final word.
The empty tomb isn’t just a symbol of what’s to come—it’s a reminder that Jesus’ power is alive and active today.
Here’s the good news: the same power that raised Jesus from the dead is available to you. The resurrection speaks directly to your pain and declares that darkness doesn’t have the final word.
- In your grief, the resurrection promises comfort and the hope of restoration.
- In your fear, it offers courage because Jesus has overcome the world.
- In your discouragement, it breathes new life, reminding you that nothing is impossible for God.
The empty tomb isn’t just a symbol of what’s to come—it’s a reminder that Jesus’ power is alive and active today.
Why the Resurrection Still Changes Lives
The message of the resurrection is just as life-changing today as it was on that first Easter morning. Why? Because it answers the deepest longings of the human heart.
People everywhere are searching for hope, meaning, and purpose. The resurrection tells us that we are loved by a Savior who went to the cross for us and rose again to give us new life.
It tells us that:
The resurrection changes lives because it is the ultimate declaration of victory. It breaks chains, heals wounds, and transforms hearts. It reminds us that Jesus is alive and that He is still in the business of redemption.
People everywhere are searching for hope, meaning, and purpose. The resurrection tells us that we are loved by a Savior who went to the cross for us and rose again to give us new life.
It tells us that:
- We are not defined by our failures or our pasts.
- We are not alone in our struggles.
- And we are not without hope, no matter how dark life may feel.
The resurrection changes lives because it is the ultimate declaration of victory. It breaks chains, heals wounds, and transforms hearts. It reminds us that Jesus is alive and that He is still in the business of redemption.
This Is Jesus
As we finish this reflection, let’s remember:
Jesus is alive.
He is victorious over sin, death, fear, and the grave.
He is not just a figure in history but the risen Savior who still changes lives today.
This is Jesus.
Jesus is alive.
He is victorious over sin, death, fear, and the grave.
He is not just a figure in history but the risen Savior who still changes lives today.
This is Jesus.
A Prayer for Resurrection Hope
Jesus, thank You that You are alive. Thank You for defeating sin, death, and the grave. Fill my heart with resurrection hope, renewed faith, and deep joy in who You are. Help me to live each day in the reality of Your victory. Meet me in the places where I need Your power and Your presence. Thank You for being my risen Savior. Amen.
Let’s Live in Resurrection Power
Celebration family, today as you celebrate the victory won on this day, let’s remember that the resurrection is not just something you only think about during Easter. It is the truth that shapes your life every single day.
Because Jesus is alive, hope is alive. Power is alive. And you and I can walk in the freedom and victory He has secured for us.
Take a moment today to consider where you need the hope and power of the resurrection to meet you. Bring those areas to Jesus and let Him remind you that His victory is for you.
He is risen. He is alive. And that changes everything.
Blessings,
Pastor David
Because Jesus is alive, hope is alive. Power is alive. And you and I can walk in the freedom and victory He has secured for us.
Take a moment today to consider where you need the hope and power of the resurrection to meet you. Bring those areas to Jesus and let Him remind you that His victory is for you.
He is risen. He is alive. And that changes everything.
Blessings,
Pastor David
Posted in Holy Week 2026
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