“but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.” James 1: 14-15

The crowd witnessing the crucifixion began to disperse – unknowingly making way for the gathering hordes of demons and fallen angels. They had come to revel in the death of Jesus. These rebellious spirits no longer reflected the beauty and brightness of God’s presence. Instead, they were now grotesquely disfigured; a visual demonstration of their eternal punishment and separation from God.

The stench and presence of hell filled the atmosphere. The heavens, just moments before filled with on-looking angels, quickly emptied – as God withdrew from the spectacle. He could no longer look upon the sin his son would have to bear. Jesus cried out in agony as his heavenly father departed.

As Jesus writhed in pain his demonic tormentors blasphemed and taunted him. Surely, God’s plans to redeem mankind had failed. All hope for life was dying at this very moment. The air was thick in anticipation. The demons drew eerily silent as the moment arrived. Jesus lifted his head and drew in his last breath – exhaling, he cried; “It is finished.” The demon’s faces filled with satisfaction. They erupted in celebration; “He’s dead!” They screamed.

The demonic roar of victory quieted as quickly as it had begun. Something was rapidly changing in the atmosphere – they could feel it. It was the coming presence of God. It was here – even in the midst of death. “Wait!!” They screamed. “He’s dead!” “He’s defeated!” Their hatred had blinded their understanding. Instead of preventing God’s plan; the death of God’s son had fulfilled it. Jesus was in fact, the Lamb of God – given as a sacrifice for the sins of all mankind. As His life’s blood poured down Calvary’s cross, sin and death became defeated.

While his humanity hung lifeless upon the cross, his divine nature burst forth with explosive power. The heavens shook and the earth trembled. The veil in the temple, which symbolized man’s separation from God, was torn apart. The demons fled as the righteousness of God shone forth – causing them pain and torment.

Hell’s gates broke from their foundation as Christ entered. Satan’s power was crushed. He quickly bowed and cowered in fear as Jesus snatched the keys to death, hell, and the grave. Death no longer held its power. Through his sacrifice, Jesus had purchased redemption and eternal life for all who would call upon his name.

Victorious, he returned to the tomb where they had laid his body. His flesh, which had been broken for his creation, would live again. Jesus came in glory and power to rightfully claim the body he had redeemed from sin.

After the third day, Mary had come to the tomb where Jesus had been laid. Drawing near, she discovered the massive stone guarding the entrance had been rolled away. An angel of the Lord appeared, declaring, “He is not here; for He is risen.”

Mary quickly ran inside the darkened tomb; her heart began pounding in her chest as she looked to where he had been laid. The grave-clothes were still present, but his body was gone. She softly whispered, “He’s alive…?” Emotions of hope and joy flooded her mind as she quickly ran back into the sunshine. “He’s alive.” She declared. Her voice now grew stronger – it filled with laughter. She screamed at the top of her voice; “Jesus! He’s Alive!”