Preserved in Jesus Christ – Day 9

Jesus was dead, physically dead. Joseph of Arimathea asked Pilate for the body of Jesus. After consulting with his officer, Pilate told Joseph that he could have the body. Joseph took the body, wrapped it in a linen sheet and placed it in a tomb, which he had prepared out of solid rock, for himself. He then had a large stone rolled across the entrance to the tomb.

Three days later, there was a violent earthquake. An angel of the Lord came down from heaven and rolled the stone away. (Matthew 28:4)

The angel said to the women, “You must not be afraid. I know you are looking for Jesus … He is not here; he has been raised … Go quickly now, and tell his disciples. He is going to Galilee; there you will see him.” (Matthew 28:5-7) The Bible says the women ran to tell his disciples, afraid yet filled with joy.

The dictionary defines the word joy as a feeling of great pleasure and happiness.

The birth of Jesus brought joy to the world; his bodily resurrection did the same. Jesus’ sacrificial love had made it possible for us to be reconciled to God. Christianity is indeed a religion of joy.

Jesus himself gave us the formula for a joyful life:

“I love you just as the Father loves me; remain in my love. If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father’s commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.” John 15:9-11

If we want joy, real joy in our life, we need to grow closer to Jesus our Saviour.