04/04/2026
"Just As He Said…"
An Easter Message from Rev. Terri Hord Owens
Among the most powerful words in Scripture: “He is not here; for he has been raised, as he said” (Matthew 28:6).
The foundation of the Christian faith is our belief that Jesus was raised from the dead, as He told His disciples He would so many times. The historic appearance to women—yes, women—on this first Easter cannot be overstated. In those times, a woman’s testimony required the witness of two men to establish credibility in any important proceeding, so Jesus’s appearance to two women, who were then trusted to go tell the disciples that Jesus is alive, is its own miracle. That Jesus would first appear to the women reminds us that Jesus was yet speaking to Jerusalem.
The angel in the tomb provides the certainty they seek in the Synoptic accounts of the Resurrection story: “He is not here, for he has been raised, as he said.” Scripture bears witness that this is exactly what Jesus said would happen. Time and again, he made references to His death and resurrection, albeit somewhat veiled references at times. Those words, “as he said,” become a key part of the formula of telling the gospel story. We cannot tell the story of the empty tomb without acknowledging that Jesus has been raised, as He said.
Mary of Magdala, the first evangelist, rushes to tell the disciples, who initially question her. She confidently stands on what the angel has told her, and nothing can dampen her enthusiasm. Just as He said, Jesus has been raised. We must claim this message and the power of the Resurrection every day, not only at Easter. It is indeed the message of the gospel: Jesus has been raised, just as He said.
On the other side of Calvary, standing in the glory of the empty tomb, we recall that moment when Jesus set His face to go to Jerusalem. Having understood His purpose, guided by the Spirit of God, girded up with prayer and Scripture, He moved through these days as He approached the time of His death, burial, and resurrection.
Standing firm in the provision of God’s resurrection and power, we are reminded of the importance of committing to our own time of prayer and Scripture every day, not just during liturgical seasons. This is what grounds us and allows us not only to see Jesus but also to hear and share the gospel He gave us.
When the time comes to bear witness, may we be found faithful, ever rejoicing in the power of Jesus’ resurrection. In every season and in every storm, we must remember that this was the day that God’s love answered us.
On this Resurrection Day, may your hearts and minds remember and reclaim the power of God’s limitless love.
Blessings and peace,
Rev. Teresa “Terri” Hord Owens
General Minister and President
Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
NCC Governing Board Vice Chair
