Stephanie Joyce
Easter’s message was never just about Jesus—it was about you.
Reflecting on the sermon at Central Christian Church in Phoenix today, on Easter, I was meditating on the pastor's words. It touched a deeper knowing—resurrection isn’t exclusive. It’s available, here and now.
The pastor named it outlined that there are three major lies told about the resurrection. That the women went to the wrong tomb. Or the Romans moved the body. The third option is the apostles lied. But beneath these lies is a deeper myth—one that still holds us hostage: that resurrection was only ever meant for one man.
Lie #1: The women went to the wrong tomb.
Debunked:
According to the Gospels, multiple women (Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome) went together and were met by an angel or young man in white, depending on the account (Mark 16:1–8; Matthew 28:1–10). They were not mistaken. The detail is consistent: the stone was rolled away, and the body was gone.
Living Truth:
Resurrection isn’t reserved for one gender, one role, or one person. It begins with the marginalized—the women. Their testimony was the first, and God trusted them to carry the message.
This is a resurrection of authority.
Lie #2: The Romans moved the body.
Debunked:
Roman guards were stationed to prevent the body from being stolen (Matthew 27:62–66). For them to have moved it would mean undermining their own efforts—and risking execution. Plus, there’s no historical motivation for Rome to support a movement they were actively trying to suppress.
Living Truth:
Resurrection cannot be managed by empire. No institution, power, or system can control your rebirth when it’s ordained by the Divine.
This is a resurrection of power.
Lie #3: The apostles moved the body and lied about the resurrection.
Debunked:
The apostles were tortured and killed for this so-called “lie.” People don’t willingly suffer brutal deaths for something they know is false. The post-resurrection appearances of Jesus (Luke 24:36–49; John 20:19–29) were witnessed by many, including skeptics like Thomas.
Living Truth:
Faith doesn’t require blind belief—it invites direct experience. Jesus showed up in person, even inviting touch and conversation. The apostles didn’t just preach it; they embodied it.
This is a resurrection of truth.
The Deeper Resurrection Lies (and What Jesus Actually Taught):
Lie: Jesus was only God, and we are not.
Truth: “You will do even greater things than these.” — John 14:12
You are divine, too.
Lie: Resurrection is a one-time event.
Truth: Resurrection is a pattern—rebirth through every transformation.
Lie: We are separate from God and each other.
Truth: “I and the Father are One.” — John 10:30
The veil was torn. You are already whole.
If resurrection is real, it must be lived, not just believed.
Jesus didn’t rise to be worshipped—he rose to show you that you can, too. He didn’t come to be the exception. He came to be the example.
So the question now is not “Did it happen?” The question is: Will you let it happen to you?
✨ What part of you is ready to rise?
✨ What tomb have you outgrown?
Resurrection isn’t behind you. It’s within you. Let this be the moment you roll back the stone.
Easter’s message was never just about Jesus—it was about you.
Reflecting on the sermon at Central Christian Church in Phoenix today, on Easter, I was meditating on the pastor's words. It touched a deeper knowing—resurrection isn’t exclusive. It’s available, here and now.
The pastor named it outlined that there are three major lies told about the resurrection. That the women went to the wrong tomb. Or the Romans moved the body. The third option is the apostles lied. But beneath these lies is a deeper myth—one that still holds us hostage: that resurrection was only ever meant for one man.
Lie #1: The women went to the wrong tomb.
Debunked:
According to the Gospels, multiple women (Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome) went together and were met by an angel or young man in white, depending on the account (Mark 16:1–8; Matthew 28:1–10). They were not mistaken. The detail is consistent: the stone was rolled away, and the body was gone.
Living Truth:
Resurrection isn’t reserved for one gender, one role, or one person. It begins with the marginalized—the women. Their testimony was the first, and God trusted them to carry the message.
This is a resurrection of authority.
Lie #2: The Romans moved the body.
Debunked:
Roman guards were stationed to prevent the body from being stolen (Matthew 27:62–66). For them to have moved it would mean undermining their own efforts—and risking execution. Plus, there’s no historical motivation for Rome to support a movement they were actively trying to suppress.
Living Truth:
Resurrection cannot be managed by empire. No institution, power, or system can control your rebirth when it’s ordained by the Divine.
This is a resurrection of power.
Lie #3: The apostles moved the body and lied about the resurrection.
Debunked:
The apostles were tortured and killed for this so-called “lie.” People don’t willingly suffer brutal deaths for something they know is false. The post-resurrection appearances of Jesus (Luke 24:36–49; John 20:19–29) were witnessed by many, including skeptics like Thomas.
Living Truth:
Faith doesn’t require blind belief—it invites direct experience. Jesus showed up in person, even inviting touch and conversation. The apostles didn’t just preach it; they embodied it.
This is a resurrection of truth.
The Deeper Resurrection Lies (and What Jesus Actually Taught):
Lie: Jesus was only God, and we are not.
Truth: “You will do even greater things than these.” — John 14:12
You are divine, too.
Lie: Resurrection is a one-time event.
Truth: Resurrection is a pattern—rebirth through every transformation.
Lie: We are separate from God and each other.
Truth: “I and the Father are One.” — John 10:30
The veil was torn. You are already whole.
If resurrection is real, it must be lived, not just believed.
Jesus didn’t rise to be worshipped—he rose to show you that you can, too. He didn’t come to be the exception. He came to be the example.
So the question now is not “Did it happen?” The question is: Will you let it happen to you?
✨ What part of you is ready to rise?
✨ What tomb have you outgrown?
Resurrection isn’t behind you. It’s within you. Let this be the moment you roll back the stone.
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