Matthew 28:5-7
And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified. He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. And go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead; and, behold, he goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see him: lo, I have told you.

Can you imagine what it was like that very first resurrection morn? The women were so sure that Jesus was dead that they went as soon as possible to anoint His body. They were so sure that a stone blocked their path, that a body needed to be tended to. The disciples were so sure that Jesus was gone for good, so much so that they sat locked in a room grieving and afraid. They were so sure that all hope was lost, that everything they were counting on had just been taken from them. Here were those who knew Jesus best and loved Him most only filled with unbelief.

So imagine, then, what joy must have flooded Mary’s heart when Jesus said her name. Imagine what relief must have washed over the disciples on the road to Emmaus when their hearts burned within them as Jesus shared with them the Scriptures. Imagine the amazement the disciples felt when Jesus appeared in their midst saying, “Peace be unto you.” Imagine the transformation that came over them all when they realized, finally, that Jesus was alive and they had seen the risen Lord.

I think I can understand just the tiniest bit what it might have been like. Because there was a time in my life when I was so sure that I was hopeless. I was so sure that the darkness would win. I was so sure there was no purpose to my life. But then Jesus called out my name. Then Jesus shared His Word with my heart. Jesus came to where I was and bid me peace. Jesus found me in my unbelief and told me He could give me life and hope and purpose. Jesus says He is alive, that He’s conquered death, that He has the victory, and that honestly changes everything.

My friend, are you lost in the sorrow of unbelief? Do you really think there is no hope? Then listen for His voice, because He is calling out to you. Look to His Word and see what He might have to say to your longing, hopeless heart. See there where it says that He loves you and He died for you. See how He took your penalty for everything wrong you’ve ever done. See how He lives again to be your Lord and Savior, to give you life and light and peace. Are you willing to simply believe in Jesus so that you, too, can be raised from death to life?