Pastor Adam James

Jesus is in the tomb, but the chief priests and Pharisees are still afraid. What if His disciples come and steal the body? He did say, after all, that after 3 days He would rise?

So they went to Pilate, who agreed to put a seal on the stone and post a guard at the tomb.  

Every measure was taken to ensure that Jesus was dead—really dead—and stayed dead.

There was to be no question. Finally, we’re rid of this Jesus guy.

The sting of death still hangs in the air and the disciples are stunned. It’s over. Done. Jesus is dead. Signed, sealed, delivered. What are we going to do now?

I wonder what the disciples were thinking and feeling?

Can you imagine what life would be like if Jesus stayed in that tomb? The hopelessness and despair would be utterly disorienting.

The Bible doesn’t tell us much more about what happened on Saturday. Only that the women rested from their work of preparing spices and perfumes, because it was the Sabbath (Luke 23:56). And this business about posting a guard at the tomb.

Have you ever had a plan backfire? These folks are about to find out that nobody rules over Jesus. And the disciples are about to be unbelievably surprised.

Friends, Jesus is full of surprises. 

An influential Christian leader, during my time in Bible college, always loved talking about “the surprises of Jesus.”  Whether it’s an answer to prayer. Or an unexpected gift of provision at just the right time. Or an incredible opportunity you weren’t expecting? An encouraging note. A “chance” meeting. A surprise visit. The announcement of your first child or a new pregnancy. On and on it goes… Jesus is full of surprises. He loves to bless His children in ways that are so personal and so particular and sometimes, just flat out over the top.

The anticipation of Easter Sunday morning should grow on us throughout the day today. Because the greatest surprise of Jesus, the Granddaddy of ‘em all, is about to shock (and change) the world forever.

What happens next??

[Join us at any of the 4 Easter Services we have planned this weekend to find out.]

“Father, you are so gracious and kind. You know us so well. You know what we need before we ask. Before the foundation of the world was laid, you set a plan in motion, to send your Son to surprise us all. Lord, help us never grow tired of the shock and surprise of Easter morning. Prepare our hearts to experience newfound joy and renewed gratitude and praise. Lord, as your people prepare to gather all over the world to celebrate the good news of Easter morning, would you bless those who will preach and proclaim the truth of the resurrection. Will you bless those who will hear it. Will you draw men and women to the truth of Jesus and bring more lost sons and daughters home to the Father. We love you Lord and we thank you for being the God of all grace who is still full of surprises! In Jesus’ Name, Amen.”