Sunday 5 April 2026

Psalm 118

Background
Alleluia! Christ is risen!

Though our dating system is divided by Christ’s birth, Easter Day is actually the moment that, for Christians, divides history. It is, as Matthew makes clear, literally a seismic event (the Greek word for earthquake that happens both at Jesus’ death and resurrection, is seismos; and the shaking of the guards in verse 4 uses a word from the same root).

Resurrection was as unnatural and unexpected then as it is today. It can be tempting to try to prove the truth of this event. However, it is important to note that Matthew’s account was not written for unbelievers but to strengthen the faith of existing believers. At the time of his writing, women were not generally considered reliable witnesses, so having two women as the first to bear witness to Jesus’ new life shows this was not written to impress outsiders.

The empty tomb should be viewed more as a sign of the resurrection, rather than proof of it. There are multiple explanations for why the tomb was empty. If our reading had continued to include 28:11-15 we would see one such other explanation. The two Marys (the ‘other’ Mary is likely to be Jesus’ mother based on 27:61 and 13:55) needed the angel to interpret what they saw.

Many Jews by the time of Jesus held to the belief in a general resurrection of the dead at the end of the world. This was not based on an idea of the immortality of the soul, which is an idea from Greek philosophy, but is seen as a gracious act of God. Jesus’ resurrection is also seen as an act of God – "he has been raised". This is God’s comment on Good Friday and is the basis for seeing Christ’s crucifixion as a triumph rather than a defeat.

As Jesus meets the women he greets them (verse 9). The word ‘Greetings’ has the same root as the word ‘Rejoice’ found in Philippians 4:4, which could equally be an appropriate word spoken on his appearing. His message, though similar to the angel’s, speaks of his followers no longer as disciples but brothers. The women show us that the appropriate response to encountering the risen Jesus is worship.

To Ponder:

• How would you explain to someone outside the Church what Easter Day means to you?
• What are the particular traditions or practices that help you celebrate and worship the risen Jesus today?

Hymn
Love’s redeeming work is done (Singing the Faith 298).

Prayer
Lord of life, joining with the generations of your people who have gone before us, and all parts of your family around the world, may we be filled with your resurrection life to proclaim with them, "He is risen indeed! Alleluia!"

Bible notes author: The Revd Will Fletcher
Will Fletcher is a presbyter in the Central Sussex United Area. Alongside his church duties, Will is the Ecumenical Officer for the Sussex part of the South-East District. He is married to Helen and they have one son. When not working, Will makes up part of the bass section of Patcham Silver Band.