EASTER EVE AGAIN

Rev'd J A Okunola

(Bible Reading: Matt. 28:1-20) The Sabbath was over; when a strong earthquake struck, and the Lord's angel came down from heaven. He rolled away the stone and sat on it. The angel looked as bright as lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. The guards shook
from fear and fell down, as though they were dead. Mary Magdalene, Salome, and Mary the mother of James bought some spices to put on Jesus' body. On the first day of the week, as the sun was coming up, they went to the tomb. On their way, they were asking one another, 'Who will roll the stone away from the entrance for us?' But when they looked, they saw that the stone had already been
rolled away. And it was a huge stone. They went in, but they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus, and they did not know what to do. Suddenly two men in shining white clothes stood beside them. The women were afraid and bowed to the ground. But the men said, do not be alarmed! You are looking for Jesus of Nazareth, who was nailed to a cross. God has raised him to life, and he is not here. Remember that he told you, 'The son of Man will be handed over to sinners who will nail him to a cross. But three days later he will rise to life.' Now go and tell his disciples that he will go ahead of you to Galilee. You will see him there, just as he told you.' The women were frightened and yet very happy, as they hurried from the tomb and ran to tell his disciples. The disciples could not believe the resurrection message until Jesus appeared to them; and showed his hands and his feet for them to touch. Though, people like Thomas may not believe this, but Jesus said, 'Thomas, do you have faith because you have seen me? The people who have faith in me without seeing me are the ones who are really blessed.

Rev'd JULIUS ADEOLU OKUNOLA, of SOLUTION CHAPEL, Awolumonte, Opa, Ile-Ife.