He Was Resurrected

Empty tomb with sunrise light.

The tomb was empty. Hope was alive

Easter Season: From Resurrection to Pentecost

The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the foundation of the Christian faith and the heart of the Easter season. On the third day after His crucifixion, the tomb was found empty, and Jesus rose victorious over sin and death.

The resurrection is not only an event we remember—it is the living hope that changes everything.

Because Jesus was resurrected:

  • Death does not have the final word
  • Sin has been defeated
  • Hope is alive
  • New life is possible
  • Christ is present with His people today

At Pleasant Grove United Methodist Church, we celebrate Easter with joy because the risen Christ still transforms lives.

What Happened on Resurrection Morning?

Women arriving at tomb in dawn light.

They came in sorrow and found joy.

Early on the first day of the week, women came to the tomb carrying spices. They expected sorrow, but instead found surprise, wonder, and good news.

The stone had been rolled away.
The tomb was empty.
Angels announced:

“He is not here, for He has risen.”
— Matthew 28:6 NASB

Jesus had done exactly what He promised.

The cross was not defeat.
The tomb was not the end.
Resurrection had begun.
Large stone rolled away from tomb entrance

What seemed sealed was opened by God.

GROW Through the Resurrection

G — Grounded in Scripture

Key Resurrection Scriptures:

  • Matthew 28:1–10
  • Mark 16:1–8
  • Luke 24:1–12
  • John 20:1–18
  • 1 Corinthians 15:3–8

These passages give eyewitness testimony that Jesus truly rose from the dead.

R — Reasons We Believe

The resurrection matters because Christianity stands or falls on whether Jesus rose.

The disciples were fearful and discouraged after the crucifixion. Yet after encountering the risen Christ, they became bold witnesses willing to suffer for their faith.

The empty tomb, transformed disciples, and testimony of many witnesses give strong reason for confidence.

The resurrection tells us Jesus is Lord.

O — Obedience in Action

Because Jesus lives, we are called to respond.

We respond by:

  • Trusting Christ as Savior
  • Turning from sin
  • Living with courage
  • Worshiping with gratitude
  • Sharing the good news
  • Walking in new life

Resurrection faith is active faith.

W — Walk It Out

We live the resurrection daily when we:

  • Refuse despair
  • Choose hope in hard seasons
  • Believe God can bring life from loss
  • Forgive as we have been forgiven
  • Serve others with joy
  • Remember that Christ is alive today

The risen Jesus still meets people in ordinary places and difficult moments.

What the Resurrection Means Today

outdoor or indoor white-draped cross

Death did not have the final word.

The resurrection means no situation is beyond God’s power.

Broken hearts can heal.
Failures can be redeemed.
Fear can become faith.
Death does not win.
Hope is stronger than darkness.

This is why Easter matters—not only once a year, but every day.

  • Reflection Questions

    Blooming spring flowers / lilies / azaleas.

    New life still blooms.

    Blooming spring flowers / lilies / azaleas.

    New life still blooms

    1. Where do I most need resurrection hope today?

    Possible answers:

    • Grief after losing someone
    • Discouragement in a hard season
    • Fear about the future
    • A relationship that feels broken
    • Financial stress
    • Health concerns
    • Spiritual dryness
    • Feeling stuck or overwhelmed

    2. What feels sealed shut that only God can open?

    Possible answers:

    • A closed door I do not understand
    • A dream that seems gone
    • Healing in a relationship
    • Motivation I have lost
    • Joy that has faded
    • Peace in my heart
    • Courage to begin again
    • A situation beyond my control

    3. Am I living as if Jesus is truly alive?

    Possible answers:

    • Trusting Him daily
    • Praying with confidence
    • Worshiping with joy
    • Sharing hope with others
    • Depending more on fear than faith
    • Forgetting His presence in daily life
    • Needing renewed trust

    4. What old fear or sorrow needs to be replaced with new life?

    Possible answers:

    • Regret from the past
    • Anxiety about tomorrow
    • Bitterness
    • Shame
    • Ongoing sadness
    • Loneliness
    • Loss of purpose
    • Negative thinking

    5. How can I share resurrection joy with someone else this week?

    Possible answers:

    • Encourage a discouraged friend
    • Invite someone to church
    • Send a kind message
    • Pray with someone
    • Visit a lonely person
    • Serve a neighbor
    • Speak words of hope
    • Share my testimony

    6. What does new life in Christ look like for me right now?

    Possible answers:

    • Starting fresh spiritually
    • Returning to prayer
    • Releasing the past
    • Trusting God again
    • Forgiving someone
    • Serving joyfully
    • Taking one obedient next step

    7. What truth of Easter do I need to remember most?

    Possible answers:

    • Death does not win
    • God keeps His promises
    • Jesus is alive
    • Hope is stronger than despair
    • Grace is available
    • My story is not over
    • Christ is with me today
     
     

Prayer

Because He lives, your story is not over.

Because He lives, your story is not over.

Risen Lord Jesus, thank You for conquering death and bringing hope to the world. Help us trust Your power, walk in new life, and live each day with resurrection faith. When we feel discouraged, remind us that the tomb is empty and hope is alive. Amen.

Continue the Journey

Next Lesson: He Appeared

The risen Jesus did not remain distant—He came near to His followers with peace, truth, and hope.
“The empty tomb became the first light of a new creation.”
 
Pleasant Grove United Methodist Church
Where neighbors become family and faith comes alive.
A beacon of hope and faith in Pleasant Grove and western Birmingham.