An angel with lightning-like countenance rolls back the stone and tells the women Jesus is not here but risen.
The sermon opens with the proclamation 'Alleluia, Christ is risen' and a direct command to tell others about the resurrection. Pastor Bender expresses compassion for the disciples, who felt they betrayed Jesus by fleeing his crucifixion, and for the women who remained faithful. He describes the first Easter morning as a time of pain, sorrow, and loss for believers. The narrative shifts to the dramatic scene at the tomb, where an angel with a lightning-like countenance rolls back the stone and announces Jesus' resurrection to the women. The pastor emphasizes that the message 'He is risen' means forgiveness of sins, not divine judgment, addressing the disciples' guilt and fear. He explains that Jesus' death atoned for sin and his resurrection brings new life, with references to an earthquake and saints rising on Good Friday. The sermon connects this to personal hardships like disease, death, and sin, offering comfort that Christ's victory enables believers to face anything. It highlights baptism as uniting believers with Christ's death and resurrection. The conclusion urges setting minds on heavenly things and anticipates the final resurrection when Christ returns. The tone is pastoral and instructional, blending biblical narrative with theological application.
