The Resurrection—Matthew 28:1-15

Pastor Gillespie of St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church in Random Lake, Wisconsin, leads a reflective and devotional podcast on Easter Monday, April 6, 2026, focusing on Matthew 28:1–15, the resurrection account. He emphasizes that Easter is not the end of a season but the beginning of a 40-day celebration of Christ’s victory over death. Drawing from Scripture, liturgical tradition, and theological insight, he unpacks the resurrection narrative with attention to its historical, symbolic, and pastoral significance. The episode highlights the role of women as the first witnesses, the angelic announcement, the earthquake as a sign of divine judgment and renewal, and the early attempt by Jewish leaders to discredit the resurrection through a fabricated story of stolen bodies. Pastor Gillespie connects the resurrection to the broader biblical narrative—from the Exodus song of Moses to the fulfillment of God’s promises in Christ—and underscores the joy and fear that accompany the good news. He concludes with a hymn, prayers, and a benediction, inviting listeners to live in the confidence of resurrection hope.