05/04/2026
WELCOME TO THE FAMILY ALTAR DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE OF THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF NIGERIA
SUNDAY, APRIL 5TH 2026
TOPIC: HE IS RISEN!
BIBLE PASSAGE: MATTHEW 28:1-10
KEY VERSE:
He is not here; He has risen, just as He said. Matthew 28:6
SCRIPTURE READING:
Matthew 28
New International Version
Jesus Has Risen
28 After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb.
2 There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. 3 His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. 4 The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men.
5 The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. 6 He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. 7 Then go quickly and tell his disciples: ‘He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.’ Now I have told you.”
8 So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples. 9 Suddenly Jesus met them. “Greetings,” he said. They came to him, clasped his feet and worshiped him. 10 Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me.”
INSIGHT
Easter is the most defining moment of the Christian faith. The resurrection of Jesus Christ is not just an event in history; it is the foundation of our salvation, hope, and victory over sin and death. On that glorious morning, as Mary Magdalene and the other Mary approached the tomb, they were met with a reality that changed the world forever: The tomb was empty! Hallelujah! Christ is risen!
The angel's words, “He is not here; He has risen, just as He said" (Matthew 28:6), confirm that Jesus' victory over death was not accidental but a fulfillment of divine prophecy. He had spoken of His resurrection multiple times (Matthew 16:21; John 2:19-22), and His words came to pass with absolute certainty. This reminds us that every word God speaks is true and will come to fulfillment in our lives.
Paul, in 1 Corinthians 15:55-57, triumphantly declares: "O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ."
The resurrection is not just a historical event- -it has personal implications for every believer:
1. Victory Over Sin and Death- Jesus' resurrection broke the power of sin and death (Romans 6:9). Because He lives, we are no longer slaves to sin, and death is no longer the end for us.
2. A Living Hope- The empty tomb assures us that no matter how dark or hopeless life may seem, God's power can bring new life to any situation. If Christ could rise from the dead, He can resurrect our broken dreams, heal our hearts, and restore our joy.
3. The Commission to Share the Good News - The women at the tomb were the first witnesses of the resurrection. They were told to "Go quickly and tell His disciples" (Matthew 28:7). We, too, are called to proclaim the risen Christ to the world, bringing His hope to those in darkness.
ACTION:
Share the good news of Christ's resurrection with at least one person today.
PRAYER:
Thank You, Jesus, for the victory of the resurrection. I walk in Your power today in the name of Jesus Christ.
