March 16th, 2026 Daily Devotion

A SERIES OF DEVOTIONS BASED ON THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO MATTHEW

YOU DON’T MESS WITH GOD

Matthew 28:1-4 “After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week . . . There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men.”

Yesterday’s devotion focused upon the Pharisees going to Pilate to request that guards be posted at Jesus’ tomb to prevent His body from being taken. Today’s devotional verses continue to focus upon the tomb. The guards are in place. Miraculous events unfold before their very eyes. Jesus’ disciples did not come to take Jesus’ body. God sent an angel to roll back the stone that sealed the tomb.

It is now the third day. The earth quaked. The angel appeared. The guards were unable to prevent Jesus’ resurrection. Instead, they fainted in fright at the earth quaking and the angel’s appearance. Jesus arose as He had prophesied that He would rise on the third day of His entombment.

God sent His Son to suffer and die on the cross. God accepted His Son’s sacrificial life and death as sufficient for the salvation of sinful humanity. The angelic appearance began God’s announcement to the world of Jesus’ resurrection from the grave. The Pharisees lied and denied, but to no avail. Jesus was victorious over sin, Satan, death, and the grave.

Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! Alleluia! You say these words first thing on Easter morning because His resurrection has been revealed to you by an angel, the women who found the tomb empty, Peter who found the tomb empty, and the Gospel that proclaims to you an empty tomb. Most important, Jesus says to you regarding the empty tomb, “Because I live, you will live also.” (John 14:19)

Prayer: Precious Jesus, risen from the dead, you have promised me that because you live, I will live also. Grant me faith to trust this promise for Your sake. Amen.

He’s risen, He’s risen, Christ Jesus, the Lord;
He opened death’s prison, the incarnate, true Word.
Break forth, hosts of heaven, in jubilant song
And earth, sea, and mountain their praises prolong.

The foe was triumphant when on Calvary
The Lord of creation was nailed to the tree.
In Satan’s domain did the hosts shout and jeer,
For Jesus was slain, whom the evil ones fear.

But short was their triumph; the Savior arose,
And death, hell, and Satan He vanquished, His foes.
The conquering Lord lifts His banner on high;
He lives, yes, He lives, and will nevermore die.

O, where is your sting, death? We fear you no more;
Christ rose, and now open is fair Eden’s door.
For all our transgressions His blood does atone;
Redeemed and forgiven, we now are His own.

Then sing your hosannas and raise your glad voice;
Proclaim the blest tidings that al may rejoice.
Laud, honor, and praise to the Lamb that was slain;
With Father and Spirit He ever shall reign.

He's Risen, He's Risen // LSB 480