Buried by Man. Raised by God.

Day 1: The Illusion of Control

Scripture: “Therefore, order the tomb to be made secure until the third day…” (Matthew 27:64)

Reflection:
The religious leaders remembered what Jesus said about rising again. They didn’t believe it—but they feared it. So they did what we often do when we’re afraid: they tried to control the outcome. They posted guards, rolled the stone, sealed the tomb. But no amount of human strategy can stop the sovereign plan of God.

Question:
What areas of your life are you trying to control out of fear or unbelief? What would it look like to trust God instead?

Prayer:
Lord, I confess that I try to secure what only You can sustain. Help me surrender control and trust the power of Your promises.

Day 2: You Can Seal a Tomb, But Not the Truth

Scripture: “And behold, there was a great earthquake, for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven…” (Matthew 28:2)

Reflection:
They sealed the tomb—but heaven sent an earthquake. They posted guards—but God rolled the stone. The resurrection reminds us that no seal, no system, no scheme of man can silence the truth of who Jesus is. When God says “rise,” nothing can stand in His way.

Question:
What “sealed places” in your life do you doubt God can break into? What truth about Jesus do you need to cling to today?

Prayer:
God of resurrection power, break through the doubt, fear, and pride in my heart. Remind me again that nothing can stop the truth of who You are.

Day 3: He Calls Failures “Brothers”

Scripture: “Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee, and there they will see me.” (Matthew 28:10)

Reflection:
After betrayal, denial, and fear-driven hiding, Jesus could have rejected His disciples. But instead, He calls them “brothers.” That’s grace. That’s resurrection mercy. The gospel isn’t just about new life—it’s about restored relationship. He doesn’t disown us when we fail. He welcomes us back as family.

Question:
Do you truly believe Jesus still calls you His—even when you’ve failed Him? Are you living in guilt or walking in grace?

Prayer:
Jesus, thank You for calling me “brother,” “sister,” “child”––a relationship to you I do not deserve on my own. Help me walk in the freedom of the forgiveness you’ve given me in your life and death.

Day 4: A Father Who Forgives

Scripture: “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” (Luke 23:34; cf. Matthew 28)

Reflection:
Earlier this month, Jeff Metcalf lost his 17-year-old son, Austin, to a senseless act of violence. Yet he stood before the world and forgave the boy who took his son’s life. “I want him to know the forgiveness only Christ can give,” he said. That kind of forgiveness doesn’t come from within—it comes from above. It points us to the greater forgiveness of the Father who gave up His Son so we might live.

Question:
Have you received the forgiveness of the Father? And are you willing to extend that same grace to others?

Prayer:
Father, thank You for forgiving me through the death and resurrection of Your Son. Teach me to live as one who has been forgiven—and to forgive as I’ve been forgiven.

Day 5: From Fear to Mission

Scripture: “Then Jesus said to them, ‘Do not be afraid; go and tell my brothers…’” (Matthew 28:10)

Reflection:
The first Easter was not met with ease—but with awe and fear. The angel and Jesus both said, “Do not be afraid.” Not because fear isn’t real—but because Jesus is greater than our fear. The resurrection doesn’t erase emotion—it redeems it. It sends us out. The tomb is empty—so now we go tell.

Question:
What’s keeping you from sharing the gospel boldly? Where is Jesus calling you to step into mission?

Prayer:
Risen Lord, move me from fear to faith, from silence to witness. Let the power of the resurrection send me out with courage and joy.