✝️ New Testament
The Resurrection
Matthew 28:1–10
Early on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to the tomb. Suddenly there was a great earthquake, and an angel rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, his clothes white as snow. The guards shook in terror and fell like dead men.
The angel said to the women, "Do not be afraid. I know you are looking for Jesus who was crucified. He is not here — He has risen, just as He said! Come see the place where He lay. Now go quickly and tell His disciples: He has risen from the dead." The women left the tomb, afraid and overflowing with joy, and ran to tell the disciples. Suddenly, Jesus Himself met them on the road. They grabbed His feet and worshipped Him. Jesus said, "Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers."
The resurrection is the foundation of the entire Christian faith. If Jesus is still in the grave, then nothing means anything. But He is not there — He is risen! Death itself was swallowed up in victory. The empty tomb declares that God's love is stronger than sin, stronger than death, stronger than anything in all creation. Coptic Christians greet each other on Easter with joy: "Christ is risen! Truly He is risen!".