Title: “He Is Not Here — He Has Risen!”

Text: Gospel of Matthew 28:5–6

“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…”

Beloved, this powerful moment in Scripture captures the turning point of history. The women came to the tomb expecting death, mourning, and silence—but instead, they encountered life, victory, and a divine announcement that still echoes today: “He is not here; He has risen!”

First, the angel says, “Do not be afraid.”

Fear is often our first response when life does not go as expected. The women had seen Jesus Christ crucified. Their hope seemed buried. Yet God speaks into their fear before revealing the miracle. This reminds us that fear can cloud our ability to see what God is doing. Even in moments of confusion, God is still in control.

Second, the angel acknowledges their pain: “I know that you are looking for Jesus.”

God sees our seeking. He understands our sorrow, our questions, and our longing. The women came looking for a dead Savior—but God had something greater in store. Sometimes we look for answers in places of despair, not realizing that God has already moved beyond that situation.

Then comes the life-changing declaration: “He is not here; He has risen.”

This is the foundation of our faith. The resurrection is not just an event—it is a victory. Death could not hold Him. The grave could not contain Him. Sin was defeated. This means that whatever seems “dead” in your life—hope, dreams, opportunities—God has the power to bring it back to life.

Finally, the angel says, “Just as He said.”

God keeps His promises. Jesus Christ had already told His disciples that He would rise again. When it happened, it confirmed that His word is trustworthy. If God said it, He will do it. Even when it seems delayed, His promises never fail.

Message for Today

We all face “tomb moments”—places where things seem finished, sealed, and hopeless. But the resurrection reminds us that God specializes in turning endings into new beginnings.

When you feel defeated, remember: He is risen.

When you feel lost, remember: He is not in the grave—He is alive and present.

When you doubt, remember: Just as He said, it shall come to pass.

Conclusion

The empty tomb is not just a story—it is an invitation. An invitation to move from fear to faith, from sorrow to joy, and from death to life.

So today, hold onto this truth:

The same power that raised Christ from the dead is still at work.

He is not here.

He has risen.

And because He lives, there is hope for you.

Amen.