Sunday – First Arrival at the Tomb: Matthew 28:1; Mark 16:1-3; Luke 24:1-3; John 20:1-2
Very early, on the first day of the week, the women completed their preparation, purchased more spices, and properly mixed them to make an unguent to anoint the bandages in which Jesus’ body was rolled. Harmonizing these verses, they came to the tomb while it was still dark, but beginning to dawn, arriving at the tomb to continue in faithful service. Imagine their shock to find the large stone rolled away, and the tomb empty! Mary Magdalene, without entering the tomb or hearing the angel’s announcement, rushed back with news that Jesus’ body had been removed.
Monday – His Resurrection & The Angel: Matthew 28:2-7; Mark 16:4-6; Luke 24:4-7
Matthew gives the actual account of the great earthquake that occurred—probably at the moment of the resurrection—then the Angel of the Lord descended from heaven to roll the large stone away from the tomb and sat upon it. The stone wasn’t rolled away to allow Jesus out, but to allow witnesses into the tomb. Overwhelmed by the fierce earthquake and the Angel’s appearance, the guards at the tomb were beset with tremors of fear and “became like dead men” (Matthew 28:4). According to Scriptures, the resurrection of Jesus was accomplished not by the power of this angel, but by the power and authority of the Eternal Father (Psalm 16:10; Matthew 17:23; Acts 2:23-24; 3:14-15; 10:39-41; Romans 6:4). This all occurred prior to the arrival of the women.
Tuesday – Mary Magdalene and the Women: Matthew 28:5-7; Mark 16:4-7; Luke 24:2-7; John 20:2
When they got to the tomb, Mary and the others saw the stone had been rolled away. Alarmed, Mary immediately returned to alert the disciples that Jesus’ body had been moved. After Mary left, the other women went into the tomb and saw the two angels. The angel on the right spoke to them (Mark 16:5-7), announcing Jesus’ resurrection and extending instructions to the women to return to Jesus’ disciples and share the news.
Wednesday – Peter & John at the Tomb: John 20:3-10; Luke 24:12
Peter and John went hastily to the tomb to prove out Mary’s claim, and to see if they could discover anything else. John went as far as Mary, peering into the tomb, but not entering. Peter, in his customary boldness, though he came last, went in first, and found the empty grave wrappings. Probably upon the sharing of this discovery, John entered. Yet, despite what Jesus had told them, and the corresponding prophecies, they wavered in doubt.
Thursday – Jesus & Mary Magdalene: John 20:11-17; Mark 16:9
Mary returned to the tomb, following after Peter and John, but she stayed at the tomb when they returned to the city. She then encountered the two angels, and shared with them the reason for her sorrow. So, it was the devoted Mary to whom Jesus would first show Himself alive. When He spoke her name, she recognized that it was Jesus. His statement, “do not cling to me,” shows that Jesus’ service was not yet completed.
Friday – The Women Return from the Tomb: Matthew 28:8-10; Mark 16:8, 10-11; Luke 24:8-11; John 20:18
As the women were returning, Jesus appeared secondly to them. They fell at His feet not in fear, but in worship, clinging to Him, for this seemed to have sealed for them the angelic announcement of His resurrection. Take note that Jesus gave them further instructions for His disciples, that they were to head into Galilee, and that He would meet them there.
Saturday – The Priest’s Deception: Matthew 28:11-15
The soldier’s keeping watch went in their shame, fear, and awe, to inform the priests about all that had transpired. When the priests realized the truth of the situation, they hatched the greatest cover-up plot in history. Paying large sums of money to the soldiers, they gave them the specific lie they were to openly share to attempt to hide what to them was a tragic truth: Jesus was alive!