04.04.21 He Isn't Here

Most often, when we try to find or reach someone and aren't able to, it's disappointing and frustrating. Easter morning was no exception. Jesus' friends came to his tomb to give him a proper burial and his body was gone! He wasn't there. Quickly, however, their disappointment and frustration turned into great joy. Stunned, they saw him, touched him, talked to him and even ate with him. He raised himself up from the dead! Very intentionally, after his time to return to heaven had arrived, he led them to Bethany, the same place where he raised Lazarus weeks earlier. There, he blessed them as he ascended out of their sight. They returned to Jerusalem rejoicing, armed with a message capable of paving the road from earth to heaven for any who believe -- "He's alive!"