Encountering Christ on the Journey

Sunday, April 4, 2010
Easter Sunday

Today's Scripture: John 20:1-18

“Jesus said to her, ‘Mary!’” (John 20:16)

Mary Magdalene was beside herself with grief. It was bad enough that her dearest friend had been crucified, but when she went to visit his tomb, she made a horrible discovery. Jesus’ body was missing. That was the final blow. What could be worse?

Not knowing what to do, she waited by the tomb weeping. Through her tears she saw a person standing nearby whom she mistook for the gardener. It was Jesus.

“Where have you taken him?” she demanded.

Jesus simply said, “Mary.”

There was a moment of utter silence. Could this possibly be true? Was she hearing things? Was this an hallucination? Was someone playing a cruel trick on her? All these thoughts rushed through her mind in that breathtaking moment. But the voice was real. And the love in that voice was unmistakable.

“Rabbouni [beloved teacher],” she gasped.

Then Jesus gave her the first command of the resurrection, “Go and tell,” he instructs her.

And Mary does. “I have seen the Lord!” she proclaims

With that simple proclamation, Mary becomes the first missionary. She is not the last. The pattern begun there in the garden by Jesus’ empty tomb is repeated every time you and I, having met the risen Lord, go with her earnest message, “I have seen the Lord!”

Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! Hallelujah!

Prayer: Almighty God, on this day you conquered death through your son and opened for us the path to eternal life. And so we celebrate with joy his resurrection. Make us new through your Spirit, so that we too may rise and walk in the light of life. We ask this through Jesus Christ, our risen Lord. Amen.

Butch Sherrill

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