From Death to Life – The Tomb Is Empty

✍️ Ayodeji & Sharon Oludapo

📅 April 20, 2025 

📖 Scripture

“Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?’” — John 11:25-26 (NIV)

“Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; he has risen!” —  Luke 24:5-6 (NIV)

💡 Devotional Thoughts

The hours following Jesus’ crucifixion were heavy with grief, confusion, and silence. The disciples had given up everything to follow Jesus. They believed He was the Messiah, the One who would redeem Israel. But now, He was dead, sealed in a borrowed tomb, and all their hope seemed buried with Him.

Imagine Peter—still reeling from the sting of his denial. Imagine Mary, Jesus’ mother, grieving her Son’s brutal death. Imagine the silence in the upper room, where fear and sorrow suffocated their joy. This was the darkest day they had ever known.

But heaven was not silent. The silence of Saturday was not inactivity—it was preparation. Hell thought it had won. The enemy thought he had silenced the King. But Jesus wasn’t finished. He descended into the depths, disarmed the powers of darkness, and rose with the keys of death in His hands (Revelation 1:18).

Then came Sunday. The mission was fulfilled.

In John 20, Mary Magdalene returns to the tomb early on Sunday morning. She is devastated, thinking someone has stolen Jesus’ body. She weeps, unable to see the truth that was unfolding right before her. But in the moment Jesus speaks her name—“Mary”—everything changes. That’s what Jesus does. He meets us in our darkest hour. He calls us by name. He turns mourning into dancing and grief into glory.

🔍 Practical Reflection

We, too, have our Saturdays—those seasons between crucifixion and resurrection. The death of a dream, a relationship, a plan. The waiting rooms of life. The in-between spaces where God seems absent and hope feels lost.

But take heart: God does some of His greatest work in the dark.

If the resurrection teaches us anything, it’s this: the end of the story belongs to God. When it looks like all hope is gone, heaven is often preparing a miracle. Just because you don’t see God working doesn’t mean He isn’t. The same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead now lives in you (Romans 8:11).

Jesus went from death to life, so that we could go from despair to hope, from bondage to freedom, from brokenness to wholeness.

✨ The Resurrection Today

This isn’t just a historical moment—it’s a personal invitation.

• Do you feel like you’re in a tomb right now?

• Has something precious died in your life?

• Are you in a place that feels like a sealed-off ending?

Then remember: The stone can still be rolled away.

Jesus still resurrects what we thought was lost. He still speaks life into dead places. And He still calls us out by name.

🕊 Closing Thoughts

The empty tomb isn't just proof of a miracle—it's a declaration of victory. From death to life isn’t just Jesus’ story. It’s ours too.

His resurrection means:

• You are no longer bound by your past.

• You are no longer a prisoner to fear.

• You are no longer walking in defeat.

Step into resurrection life today. Let your soul rise from despair, because He is risen, and the victory is already won.

🙏 Prayer

Jesus, my Risen Savior, thank You for enduring the cross, for stepping into darkness so I could walk in light. Thank You for every moment You stayed silent so that You could shout victory on the third day. I surrender my fear, my doubt, and every place in me that feels buried. Resurrect new life in me today. Help me to live in Your power, walk in Your truth, and believe in Your promises—even when I don’t see the outcome. I trust You, the One who defeated death. Amen.