You know, after Jesus’ death, a lot of those closest to him were left feeling confused and grief stricken. We would have been the same way. But Jesus’ death ushers in something new, something miraculous. Just when we thought Easter was over, Jesus shows up and helps us understand the gifts of Easter.
Let’s back up. Two weeks ago, we discovered wonder as our gateway to God. As Jesus revealed himself to the women at the empty tomb, we begin realizing Jesus isn’t dead, and that He has more to give us. Next, He joins the guys on the road to Emmaus. However, it wasn’t until he was in their home, breaking bread and giving thanks, that they realize who He is. Isn’t it incredible how God continues to show us who He is even when we do not understand.
This week, we have a new remembering.
Let’s look at John 20:1-31. Take time to read and reflect on the entire chapter.
Beginning at verse 11,
“Now Mary stood outside the tomb crying. As she wept, she bent over to look into the tomb 12 and saw two angels in white, seated where Jesus’ body had been, one at the head and the other at the foot.
13 They asked her, “Woman, why are you crying?”
“They have taken my Lord away,” she said, “and I don’t know where they have put him.” 14 At this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not realize that it was Jesus.
15 He asked her, “Woman, why are you crying? Who is it you are looking for?”
Thinking he was the gardener, she said, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will get him.”
16 Jesus said to her, “Mary.”
She turned toward him and cried out in Aramaic, “Rabboni!” (which means “Teacher”).
17 Jesus said, “Do not hold on to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father. Go instead to my brothers and tell them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’”
18 Mary Magdalene went to the disciples with the news: “I have seen the Lord!” And she told them that he had said these things to her.
- Takeaways: Mary was distressed but when Jesus calls her by name, she knows who He is. He then instructs her to “Go and tell the others.” And she does.
- Action step: When is the last time Jesus called you by name? When was the last time you told someone else of the miraculous work of God?
Every day, God gives us new opportunities to meet Him, to know Him, to build our faith and be the people God created us to be. When we meet Jesus for the first time, or just the next time, He knows us by name. He comes to us as a friend, the One willing to lay down His life for us. Do you know Jesus personally? Because He knows you by name. Spend some time in quiet meditation. I hope you will be like Mary at the empty tomb, searching for Him when He calls you by name. Jesus loves us so much. This helps us understand all the gifts of Easter.
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, thank you for laying down your life for me. Help me to know you more. Teach me how to love like you love. And may I be courageous enough to “Go and tell” all those I meet, the great things you have done for me. Amen.
P.S. – Leave me a comment because I love hearing from you. Forward this message to your friends and family. Ask them to subscribe to my website so they can receive these messages each week as well. Post on Facebook and tag me in it. We will camp here in John 20 for the next few weeks. Hope to see you back here. -M
One thought on “Understanding the gifts of Easter – week 2”
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus. Thank you for the love you have so freely given for me and the world.