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The Gospel writers tell us “Jesus died at the ninth hour” (3pm) on Friday (Matthew 27, Mark 15, Luke 23). Sabbath would begin at sundown and no work could be done on Sabbath. Joseph of Arimathea, along with Nicodemus “took the body of Jesus, wrapped it, with the spices, in strips of linen.”  Although Joseph and Nicodemus moved quickly because Sabbath was about to begin, “everything was done properly and in accordance with Jewish burial customs.  At the place where Jesus was crucified, there was a garden, and in the garden a new tomb, in which no one had ever been laid.  Because it was the Jewish day of Preparation and since the tomb was nearby, they laid Jesus there.”  (John 19:40-42)

And, you and I also see the dedication and devotion of the women who, “after the Sabbath, on the first day of the week, at early dawn, went to the tomb, taking the spices they had prepared.” (Luke 24:1) 75 pounds of myrrh and aloes had already been used on Friday (John 19:39).  More was purchased for the return of the women after the Sabbath.

When the women arrived at the tomb “they found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they went in they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus.  While they were perplexed about this, behold, two men stood by them in dazzling apparel.  And as they were frightened and bowed their faces to the ground, the men said to them, “Why do you seek the Living among the dead?  He is not here.  He has risen!”  (Luke 24:2-6)

That same question the angels asked can be asked today:  “Why do you seek the Living among the dead?”

So many people today are seeking for all the “right answers” in all the “wrong places.” 

Where are “you” seeking?  And, “what” are you seeking?

Isaiah the prophet writes:  “Seek the Lord while He may be found; call on Him while He is near.”  (Isaiah 55:6)

The Lord God, in speaking through the prophet Jeremiah, says:  “And you will seek Me and find Me,” says the Lord, “when you seek Me with all your heart.”  (Jeremiah 29:13)

The angels’ words are spoken to you and me this day and throughout all of life:  “Why do you seek the Living among the dead?  He is not here.  He has risen!”

“If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.  Set your minds on things above, not on things that are on earth.  For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.  When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory.”  (Colossians 3:1-4)

Happy Easter!