Sunday, April 5, 2026

Luke 24:1-7
But very early on Sunday morning the women went to the tomb, taking the spices they had prepared. They found that the stone had been rolled away from the entrance. So they went in, but they didn’t find the body of the Lord Jesus. As they stood there puzzled, two men suddenly appeared to them, clothed in dazzling robes.

The women were terrified and bowed with their faces to the ground. Then the men asked, “Why are you looking among the dead for someone who is alive? He isn’t here! He is risen from the dead! Remember what he told you back in Galilee, that the Son of Man must be betrayed into the hands of sinful men and be crucified, and that he would rise again on the third day.”

The stone has been rolled away.

Like the women at the tomb, we quickly forget what we've been told was coming.

We enter busy days filled with family gatherings, hidden eggs, and baskets bringing smiles. These joys aren’t bad. Easter is a celebration! Yet in the middle of it all, it's easy to miss the miracle - to lose sight of the magnitude of this day.

The empty tomb changes everything!

It declares that sin is defeated, death is not the end, and that what Jesus said would happen did happen (Luke 9:22). Therefore, through him, everything can be made new.

Before anything else grabs your attention today, pause.

Remember the loving sacrifice.

Remember the blood that was shed.

Remember the impact of the life that rose again!

As you celebrate all that’s been made new through Jesus, do so with an open heart and intentional remembrance. Don’t rush past Easter’s true gift. From creation to the cross to the resurrection - God has always planned to restore what was broken.

That restoration includes you.

Don’t miss the invitation. The empty tomb isn’t just part of the story to be amazed by; it’s part of Jesus’ story for you to step into.

Let’s stop standing in surprise at the tomb and start living its truth.

Let us remember what we know, trust Jesus’ promises, and actively seek opportunities to move forward together with expectant hearts.

Because of the resurrection, life change through Jesus is more than possible - it's real!

Discussion Questions:

Ice Breaker: What’s something you’ve looked forward to or planned for a long time, and how did it feel when it finally happened?

How have you seen the message of Jesus impact people or communities in real, tangible ways?

Read Ephesians 1:4-8. These verses remind us that it brings God “great pleasure” (v5) to welcome us into his family—a family redeemed at the cost of Jesus’ blood. As you reflect on this incredible gift of freedom, what part of it touches you most personally?

Do you tend to see your story as part of God’s bigger story? Or do you see yourself separate from it?

Reflect and Respond: What would it look like for you to live this week with an open heart to what God might want to do in you?

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank you for your incredible love and for welcoming us into your family. I’m humbled by Jesus’ sacrifice. He gave his life so that we could have freedom and forgiveness. Help us to remember your grace and to live in a way that honors you. Fill our hearts with gratitude and strengthen our faith as we step into what you have for us by saying “yes” to you each day. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Series Theme Verse:

Ephesians 1:5
God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure.

This post was written by Lori Tuckerman, Director of Content for the Daily LivingItOut.