Easter

Read

John 20:11-16 “Now Mary stood outside the tomb crying. As she wept, she bent over to look into the tomb and saw two angels in white, seated where Jesus’ body had been, one at the head and the other at the foot. 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.’ At this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not realize that it was Jesus. 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.’ Jesus said to her, ‘Mary.’ She turned toward him and cried out in Aramaic, ‘Rabboni!’ (which means ‘Teacher’).”

Think

Picture this: the devoted women, who had tenderly attended to Jesus' burial on Friday, returned to the tomb on Sunday, carrying spices and perfumes to honor him. But as they approached, they were met with a breathtaking sight – the once-sealed entrance was now wide open, revealing an empty tomb bathed in morning light. Instead of finding Jesus' body, they encountered an angel, radiating in dazzling white, seated where the heavy stone had been.

Their hearts raced as they peered into the tomb, only to find the empty slab where Jesus had been laid, the burial cloths neatly arranged, and the shroud folded with care. Confusion mingled with awe as they tried to comprehend the inexplicable scene before them.

Then, in a moment that would alter the course of history, Jesus himself called out – not a generic call, but a deeply personal one, addressing Mary by name. Mary Magdalene, once tormented by demons and weighed down by fear and shame, was beckoned by the very voice that had liberated her from her past. His words transported her back to the pivotal moment of her deliverance when she had encountered his life-transforming grace.

The sound of Jesus calling her name sliced through the chaos, bringing an immediate calm to her troubled heart. It whisked her back to the transformative instant of her salvation, flooding her mind with memories of his redeeming power.

During life's crazy uncertainties, remember this: Jesus is calling your name, too. All it takes is a heart that is willing to listen. Let his voice transport you back to that sacred moment of salvation, reminding you of his unfailing love, boundless grace, and the power to bring peace to life's chaos.

Apply

Think about your own personal encounter with Jesus and the profound impact it has had on your life. Share this transformation experience with someone today.

Pray

Jesus, thank you that you know me by name. As we revisit our moment of salvation thank you for your unfailing love. Strengthen our faith as we share these testimonies with others. In Jesus’ name. Amen.