Hope in the Resurrection: From Grief to Joy in Christ

 “The next day, the one after Preparation Day, the chief priests and the Pharisees went to Pilate. “Sir,” they said, “we remember that while He was still alive that deceiver said, ‘After three days I will rise again.’ So give the order for the tomb to be made secure until the third day. Otherwise, His disciples may come and steal the body and tell the people that He has been raised from the dead. This last deception will be worse than the first.”

Matthew 27:62-64

Dear Friends,

Grief brings many side effects – one of the most common is forgetfulness. Stress and sorrow overwhelm the brain, making it difficult to focus or recall details.

The disciples experienced this fog of grief after Jesus’ violent death. Though He had prepared them repeatedly for His death and promised His resurrection, their pain clouded their memory. Even His final words of comfort seemed lost in the haze of heartbreak and fear.

The Religious Leaders Remembered

In contrast, the chief priests and Pharisees remembered His words with striking clarity. But instead of bringing comfort, His promise terrified them.

Joseph of Arimathea’s Bold Act

That evening, Joseph of Arimathea, a wealthy and courageous follower, went to Pilate to request Jesus’ body. After wrapping it in clean linen, he laid it in his own new tomb, carved into the rock. Two women – both named Mary –  watched as he rolled a heavy stone across the entrance. Then they left, grieving deeply. 

Personal Reflections on Grief

Leaving the body of a loved one in the grave is one of the hardest parts of death. Years ago, I lost a childhood friend in a tragic car accident.

The funeral felt surreal, almost like I was watching from outside my body. But at the graveside, as we prayed and walked away, reality crashed in – my friend was gone.

Fearful Leaders, Forgotten Words

The disciples faced the same crushing grief. Yet while they forgot Jesus’ promise, the religious leaders lost sleep because they remembered it well.

They told Pilate that Jesus had said, “After three days I will rise,” and feared the disciples might steal the body. Even though the tomb was sealed with a massive stone, they worried the people would be deceived into believing Jesus had risen. To prevent this, they secured the tomb with a seal and stationed guards outside.

But no seal or guard could stop the greatest miracle in history. Ironically, their precautions provided undeniable proof of Jesus’ resurrection.

From Grief to Joy

Three days later, everything changed. The disciples’ sorrow gave way to joy as the risen Christ appeared to them. Their grief-induced forgetfulness dissolved into peace as they realized His death was not the end. Jesus had conquered the grave, opening the way to eternal life for all who believe.

Soon, the Holy Spirit would come to teach them, remind them of everything Jesus had said, and empower them to witness boldly to the world.

Their eyewitness testimonies remain for us in Scripture:

“We proclaim to you the one who existed from the beginning, whom we have heard and seen. We saw him with our own eyes and touched him with our own hands. He is the Word of life” (1 John 1:1).

Hope in the Resurrection for Us Today

Are you grieving today? Open God’s Word and remember: Christ conquered death and rose again. Because He lives, your sorrow is never the end – joy is coming!

Love,

Mama

If Verses from Mama has encouraged or blessed you in any way, would you consider showing your support by buying me a cup of tea? Your kindness helps keep this ministry going, and I’m truly grateful for every bit of encouragement. Thank you!