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Resurrection of Christ
183
Jesus, whom the Jews crucified, had risen from the dead; and in
proof of their words they declared, “We be risen with Him.” They
bore testimony that it was by His mighty power that they had been
called forth from their graves. Notwithstanding the lying reports
circulated, the resurrection of Christ could not be concealed by Satan,
his angels, or the chief priests; for this holy company, brought forth
from their graves, spread the wonderful, joyful news; also Jesus
showed Himself to His sorrowing, heartbroken disciples, dispelling
their fears and causing them joy and gladness.
The Women at the Sepulcher
Early in the morning of the first day of the week, before it was yet
light, holy women came to the sepulcher, bringing sweet spices to
anoint the body of Jesus. They found that the heavy stone had been
rolled away from the door of the sepulcher, and the body of Jesus was
not there. Their hearts sank within them, and they feared that their
enemies had taken away the body. Suddenly they beheld two angels
in white apparel, their faces bright and shining. These heavenly
beings understood the errand of the women and immediately told
them that Jesus was not there; He had risen, but they could behold the
place where He had lain. They bade them go and tell His disciples
that He would go before them into Galilee. With fear and great joy
the women hurried back to the sorrowing disciples and told them
the things which they had seen and heard.
The disciples could not believe that Christ had risen, but, with
the women who had brought the report, ran hastily to the sepulcher.
They found that Jesus was not there; they saw His linen clothes, but
could not believe the good news that He had risen from the dead.
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They returned home, marveling at what they had seen, also at the
report brought them by the women.
But Mary chose to linger around the sepulcher, thinking of what
she had seen and distressed with the thought that she might have
been deceived. She felt that new trials awaited her. Her grief was
renewed, and she broke forth in bitter weeping. She stooped down
to look again into the sepulcher, and beheld two angels clothed in
white. One was sitting where the head of Jesus had lain, the other
where His feet had been. They spoke to her tenderly and asked her