Hello again, and welcome back to Kid's Bible Stories. Today's story is called, He's Not Here, He's Alive! And this comes from John 19, Matthew 28, Luke 23, and 1 Corinthians 15, verse 55. Today's episode is made possible thanks to our newest Patreon supporters, Sarah, Carolina, and Tierney. All of you have joined as a paying member on our Patreon page, or have supported us through other financial donations. You really are playing a critical role in keeping this podcast going. In the last 30 days alone, this podcast has had over 200,000 downloads. But here's what matters most. Behind every single download is a child hearing God's word. It's not just a number, it's a soul, a little heart being shaped, and a seed of faith being planted. And I want you to know that you are a part of that. You're not just funding a podcast, you're really helping bring the word of God into homes, car rides, bedtime routines. So thanks to all of you who have stood with me while I create this podcast. It cannot exist without you, so thank you. And if you're interested in joining this team helping to support us, just go to kbspodcast.com. I'll put the link in today's show notes for you. Welcome back, listeners. First time we stood at the foot of the cross, witnessing the loving sacrifice Jesus gave. Today, get ready for something truly extraordinary. The moment that changed everything. The resurrection. As we approach this miraculous event, let's set the tone with hope and joy. After Sunday isn't just any day. It's the day Jesus conquered death, bringing light into the darkest corners of our lives. Get ready for an incredible journey into the heart of the resurrection. Let's begin here. Jesus is still sniffled, and tears still trickled down the cheeks of those who loved Jesus. They were so sad this had happened. Others were confused. Scratching their beards in deep thought, they tried to make sense of all of it. What was happening? Wasn't Jesus supposed to be the king? The savior? This just didn't make sense to them. They continued to mourn for Jesus. Later, a man named Joseph of Arimathea went to Pilate and asked, Please, sir, I would like to bury Jesus in a tomb. Please let me do this. Dying, Pilate said, I don't see any harm in that. Fine. Let's just be done with this. And gave his permission. Joseph turned and left Pilate. He was on his way when Nicodemus, the man who earlier had come to Jesus at night, he ran over to Joseph. Hey, Joseph. I want to help too. Please, I love Jesus very much. Joseph looked Nicodemus in the eyes and with a slight smile nodded yes. Side by side, Joseph and Nicodemus walked up the hill to the cross. When they arrived, the two men took Jesus' body and wrapped it with linen cloth. In the garden close by stood a new tomb cut into a large cream-colored rock. It was almost like a small cave in the side of a giant rock. No one had ever been buried in this tomb. Joseph and Nicodemus gently laid Jesus in the tomb. Small tears formed in the corners of their eyes. All that could be heard were sniffles and the beating of their heavy hearts. How could this be? He was their hope. They loved him so much. Shuffling their feet, slowly they walked out of the tomb. Using all of their might, the men pushed and pushed and rolled a heavy, large stone to block the entrance of the tomb. The women who had come from Galilee with Jesus followed Joseph. They saw where Jesus was buried. I bet they thought. Oh good, now I know where it is and I can come back and visit here. Then the women left to prepare perfumes and spices. The next day, the leading priests and the Pharisees went to Pilate. Remember, these people did not like Jesus. They did not believe what he said. Walking over to Pilate, they said to him, Sir, we remember that while that liar was still alive, he said, After three days I will rise from death. So, give the order for the tomb to be guarded closely till that third day. His followers, well, they might come and steal the body. Then they could tell all the people that he's risen from death. And that lie would be worse than the first one. Pilate said, Take some soldiers and go guard the tomb the best way you know how. So off they all rushed to the tomb and made it safe from thieves. They did this by sealing the stone and the entrance and then putting soldiers there to guard it. No one could go in and no one could go out. On the third day, the sun had just begun to fight back the darkness of the night. The sky was slowly changing from black to slivers of light. Sunrise was on its way. Mary Magdalene and another woman named Mary stretched their weary, entiried bodies, rose from their beds and went to look at the tomb. Suddenly the earth shook beneath their feet. Trees swayed back and forth. It was a strong earthquake. An angel of the Lord came down from heaven. The angel went to the tomb and rolled the stone away from the entrance. Then he sat on the stone. He was shining as bright as lightning. His clothes were as white as snow. The soldiers guarding the tomb trembled. Their hearts raced and knees wobbled. They were frightened of the angel. The angel said to the women, Don't be afraid. I know that you are looking for Jesus, the one who died on the cross. But he is not here. He has risen from death, as he said he would. Come and see the place where his body was and go quickly and tell his followers. Say to them, Jesus has risen from death. He is going to go. He will be there before you. You will see him there. Then the angel said, Now I have told you. The women's mouths dropped open in awe. They could feel their hearts leap with joy in their chest. Could it be true? Jesus, their Savior, was alive. Almost tripping over their own feet, they turned and left the tomb quickly. They were afraid, but they were also very happy. They ran to tell Jesus' followers what had happened. Suddenly Jesus met them and said, Greetings. The women, probably still out of breath from running and in shock, came up to Jesus, knelt to the ground. Oh, Jesus, it's really you. Lord, we missed you. We love you so much. Everything you said is coming true. They took hold of his feet and worshiped him. Then Jesus smiled and lovingly said to them, Don't be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to go on to Galilee. They will see me there. Well, that is it for our story today. But before we go, let's think about what we just heard. Jesus died on the cross. But did he stay that way? No, no. No. Everyone hold up three fingers. Great. On the third day, you tell me, What happened? He rose from the dead. Thanks for sharing. If you said something like, Jesus rose or the tomb was empty, Jesus is alive, you are right. The cross looked like the end. But God had a plan all along, even when others couldn't see it or understand it. Jesus was victorious. On the third day, he rose. Listeners, did everything happen that Jesus said would happen? Yes. Yes, it sure did. You see, we can trust him and we have hope. We don't have hope in how good we are at soccer or hope in the new shiny toy. No. We have hope in Jesus. Jesus who sees you, Jesus who died on the cross for you and for me, forgiving our sins. The Bible reminds us, and first Corinthians, it says this, Death is swallowed up in victory. Oh death, where is your victory? Oh death, where is your sting? On that third day, Jesus rose. That means he beat sin and death. He won. Because of him, we are forgiven. That's truly the best news ever. Not just for Easter, but every single day. And we have to remember, that's your Heavenly Father, and he loves you so much. Thanks everyone for listening, and I want to thank today's guest, Whitney Newby, who played the voice of Mary for us today. Everything she creates is truly beautiful. You can find her on Instagram at Brighter Day Press. I'll also put her information for you in today's show notes. Thanks everyone for listening. Happy, happy Easter. And as always, bye for now.
