The fresco, painted in the first half of the 13th century on the south wall of the church at Mileseva Monastery in Yugoslavia, was intended to capture the scene on Easter morning as recorded in Matthew’s Gospel below. What do see when you contemplate this scene?
What do I find remarkable? Those not looking for Jesus, the soldiers, do not see or hear about the greatest news ever shared? Those who come looking, find more than they can ever imagine! They find an angel proclaiming: “He is not here, He has risen, just as he said.” May the empty tomb remind you today you can trust Jesus. He did what he said he would do! And may He richly bestow on you the gift He gives those who have not seen and yet still believe…faith!
After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb. 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. 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.” Matthew 28:1-7
Artists: Three Painters of the Raska-School: Dimitrije, Djordje and Teodor.