Matthew 28:1-4 New International Version (NIV)
Jesus Has Risen 28 After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb. 2 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. 3 His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. 4 The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men.
Monday - April 5
In Matthew’s Gospel the first appearance of an “angel of the Lord” comes when Joseph learns his fiance is pregnant. He knows that he is not the father and seeks to divorce her quietly, but the “angel of the Lord” appears to him in a dream and tells him that God is doing something amazing. The baby in her womb will be named “Jesus” which means “God saves.” This was a very common name for Jewish men, but this angel directs Joseph to give the baby this name because while he will appear like a common, everyday man he will be the savior of the whole world. On Easter, when the angel appears again, that plan of salvation has been accomplished! Sin and death are defeated and rule no more. God saves! Hallelujah! He is risen!