Easter Sunday 2026

In this Easter Sunday message, we examine why something that happened 2000 years ago, matters to you, today. Click here for the recording of this 4/5/26 Service, and you can fast-forward to 26:49 to get to the start of the sermon.

Our text: Matthew 28.1-9

1 Now after the Sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to look at the tomb.

2 And behold, a severe earthquake had occurred, for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and came and rolled away the stone, and sat upon it. 3 And his appearance was like lightning, and his clothing as white as snow. 4 The guards shook from fear of him and became like dead men.

5 And the angel said to the women, “ Do not be afraid; for I know that you are looking for Jesus who has been crucified.

6 He is not here, for He has risen, just as He said. Come, see the place where He was lying. 7 And go quickly and tell His disciples that He has risen from the dead; and behold, He is going ahead of you to Galilee. There you will see Him; behold, I have told you.”

8 And they left the tomb quickly with fear and great joy, and ran to report to His disciples.

9 And behold, Jesus met them and said, “Rejoice!” And they came up and took hold of His feet, and worshiped Him. 10 Then Jesus said to them, “ Do not be afraid; go, bring word to My brothers to leave for Galilee, and there they will see Me.”

Introduction

• There has been a lot of ink used in writing about the resurrection

• Pastors all over the world have labored over messages this week

• Jerusalem and St. Peter’s Square in Rome are full of the Faithful celebrating “the resurrection”

• But why does it matter?  Why come to church Today, in particular?

V1-4

• The women go to the tomb to anoint the body- Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, Salome, and Joanna are named in Scripture

• An earthquake occurs, and an angel appears to roll away the stone; he sits on it; his appearance, radiant

• The tomb guards are terrified, and faint, “like dead men”

V5-7

The angel speaks-

1. Don’t be afraid

2. I know you are looking for Jesus, the crucified One

3. He is not here, for He is risen, egeirō- to stand from a prone position

4. Come see where He was lying

5. Go, tell His disciples He has risen

6. He is going ahead to Galilee- you will see Him there

v8

• They leave the tomb with two things

1. Fear

2. Great joy

• They RAN to report to His disciples

• They meet Jesus along the way, took hold of his feet, and worshipped, proskuneo- to worship by bowing down

…v8

• His response to the women-

  • Don’t be afraid

  • Go, bring word to my brothers to meet me in Galilee

Why something that happened 2k yrs ago matters to you today

1. There are those who are the faithful, much like the women; they will serve Christ, no matter what

2. There are others, like the tomb guards, who are frightened of it all

3. There are the message carriers (angelos) of the news of the resurrection- no need to fear, you are looking for him, and you can meet him today

Why this matters today

* Jesus knew you would be here today

1. What are you afraid of?

2. Do you know that Jesus is ultimately what you are looking for?

3. You can meet Him today