March 17th, 2026 Daily Devotion

A SERIES OF DEVOTIONS BASED ON THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO MATTHEW 

HE IS RISEN INDEED

Matthew 28:1, 5-7 “After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb . . . The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; He has risen, just as He said. Come and see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell His disciples: ‘He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see Him.’ Now I have told you.” 

On Easter morning, the first words from your pastor during the Easter celebratory service is, “Christ is Risen!” The congregation responds with the words, “Christ is Risen! He is risen indeed!” 

Today, I want you to think and meditate upon the last word of your response to your pastor’s opening words. Christ is risen, INDEED! Indeed is an adverb. The dictionary definition for this word is, “Indeed is used to emphasize a statement or response confirming something already stated.”  

You are saying with the word “indeed” that you believe the angel’s message to the women at the tomb that Christ is risen. You believe the message recorded in the Holy Scriptures that the tomb of Joseph of Arimathea could not hold Jesus’ body for more than three days. You emphatically believe that Jesus fulfilled His prophecy that He would die and rise again.   

Indeed Christ died for your sins. Indeed Christ was buried. Indeed Christ rose from the dead. Indeed, because Christ lived, died, and rose again He satisfied God’s justice, paid the price for your sins, and His resurrection declared emphatically His victory over sin, death, the grave, and Satan for you. “He lives, He lives, who once was dead. He lives your ever living head.” 

Prayer: Victorious Jesus, send Your Holy Spirit into my heart to give me faith to receive the victory you won for me. In Your holy name. Amen. 

I know that my Redeemer lives;  
What comfort this sweet sentence gives!  
He lives, He lives, who once was dead;  
He lives my ever-living head. 

He lives triumphant from the grave;   
He lives eternally to save;  
He lives all glorious in the sky;  
He lives exalted there on high. 

He lives to bless me with His love;  
He lives to plead for me above;  
He lives my hungry soul to feed;  
He lives to help in time of need. 

He lives to grant me rich supply;  
He lives to guide me with His eye;  
He lives to comfort me when faint;  
He lives to hear my soul’s complaint.  

I Know that My Redeemer Lives // LSB 461 (vs. 1-4)

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