Their hearts were broken. The women stood in the distance and watched as Jesus was shamefully crucified. Crucifixion was reserved for the most vile criminals and now they watched as their Lord hung on two rough boards fashioned into a simple cross.

 They stayed until the very end. They were too far away to understand His words, but they saw His bleeding body, and His struggle for every breath. Then it was over- Jesus was dead. Even though they had cried all day, fresh tears came. How could it end like this? Jesus was a good man, a kind man. How could He be dead? Even nature grieved,. at the moment of The Messiah’s death, the earth shook violently in convulsive grief. Jesus was dead.

He was more than a friend. They had watched His miracles. They had cooked for Him, provided Him with lodging and even contributed financially to His ministry. They believed He was the promised one, but things were not working out as they had expected- Jesus was dead.

They watched as Joseph, a wealthy man took the body of Jesus carefully and lovingly down from the cross. They followed in the distance so they would know where to go after the Sabbath to demonstrate their love with one last act of service.

Spring was in the air, but I’m sure these women didn’t feel much like enjoying Spring. The air was sweet and fragrant, but their noses refused to smell the sweetness. Their hearts were heavy. The man they believed to be The Messiah, Jesus-- was dead. They loved Jesus, but now their hope was gone.

 Mary, the mother of James and John, was in the group that morning. It was early, the sun was just peeking its head above the horizon. The birds were singing Spring’s glorious song. The flowers were beginning to bloom and the leaves were budding on the trees. It was a rich man’s garden they were walking through, it must have been beautiful, but Mary didn’t even notice. She had grand dreams of her sons becoming powerful men as Jesus’ personal assistants when Jesus ascended to His throne. She had even mentioned it to Jesus once. What would her sons do now? Their death might be immanent as well.

 Mary Magdalene knew Jesus had to be more than just an ordinary man. She had been completed possessed by demons. The thought of the torment and fear she had experienced still made her tremble. Jesus had cast out the demons,  she was free and now she had peace, real peace, like she had never known before. But Jesus was dead. It was all over. What would life be like without Jesus? How could the Savior be dead?

 They felt the ground tremble under their feet, another earthquake like the one when Jesus drew his last breathe. Would everything, always be a reminder of that horrible day? “The stone,” one of the ladies spoke the thoughts of all the women, “Do you think we can move it? But they had to try, it was the last thing they could do to demonstrate their love and loyalty to Jesus.

 But when they arrived, the stone was moved away from the doorway of the tomb. Sitting on the stone was a magnificent angel. I’m sure their hearts began to pound and their tired minds and bodies trembled.

 The angel spoke first. “Don’t be afraid. You’re looking for Jesus of Nazareth. They crucified Him, but He’s not here. He has risen from the dead. Look for yourself. See, He’s not here.” I’m sure they looked inside the tomb to verify these strange words.

 You must hurry. Go tell His disciples and Peter that Jesus is alive. They hurried away to tell the wonderful news. But when the women reported the good news to the disciples, they refused to believe them.

 It’s not like they didn’t know. Jesus plainly told them in Matthew 20:18,19 that He was going to die, but He would rise again on the third day. They knew, but they didn’t know. John 20:9 (NIV)   (They still did not understand from Scripture that Jesus had to rise from the dead.)

 Maybe they were in shock. Maybe they were so wrapped up in grief that they forgot, but the facts remain they didn’t believe. When Jesus finally appeared to the disciples as a group, He reprimanded them strongly for their unbelief. Mark 16:14 (NIV) Later Jesus appeared to the Eleven as they were eating; he rebuked them for their lack of faith and their stubborn refusal to believe those who had seen him after he had risen.

 Their lack of understanding of the Word of God and unbelief was keeping them from walking in peace. It will keep you from walking in peace, too. No matter what your circumstances, God wants you to know He is more than enough. It may not look like things are working out the way you planned, but it doesn’t mean God won’t keep His promises. Get a strong grip on the promises of God.

 The Resurrection message is the greatest story of triumph every told. Jesus was triumphant over Death, Hell and the Grave. Because Jesus lives in every born again Christian through the power of the Holy Ghost you can be triumphant too.