He Has Risen

Matthew 28:5-6
The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said.”

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On Friday, Mary Magdalene watched in horror as her friend, her King, her Savior was hung on a crude cross. The thud of the hammer ripped through her as it pressed the nails through His hands, then His feet. Tears filled her dark eyes then spilled down her face, streaked with the dust from the road where He dragged His own cross.

At one point the sky went black, like God had blown out all the Herodian oil lamps in the middle of the night. She’d heard rumor that the temple curtain had torn in half. As she wept, the soldiers lifted Jesus from the cross. She watched Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus carry the body away. Comfort touched her heart knowing that Joseph would follow the traditions. He’d wrap her Savior in strips of linen with aloe and myrrh. Already her heart ached to talk with Him. On the way home, Mary Magdalene and her friends gathered spices to sprinkle on Jesus’ body. She wanted to see to Him right away, but the lateness in the day required her to go home.

After a night of restless dreams and silent sobs, Mary woke to a soft breeze that moved the palm leaves as the day came alive with the sun’s warmth. If only she could see Him one more time, but Saturday was the Sabbath, a day of rest and worship. She’d have to wait. The length of the day stretched before her and dragged into the night.

Sunday morning nothing held her back as she gathered the spices and friends and they ran to the garden where Jesus’ body lay in a tomb, sealed with the governor’s wax seal. She knew she’d meet soldiers, guards over her precious friend. Determined to see to his needs, she hurried. Then stopped. The guards slept on the ground and an angel, who glowed like lightning in snow white clothes welcomed them. “Do not be afraid…He is not here, He is risen.” Joy and fear filled the women. As they ran to tell the disciples the amazing news, Jesus himself stepped before them. Emotions swelled with love as they fell to the ground and worshiped. 

Based on scripture, I imagine this is how Mary Magdalene reacted to losing Jesus. She watched him die. Then Sunday came and he conquered the grave. He rose from the dead just as the prophets predicted. And he did this all so we could be forgiven of sin. He loves us. He just asks that we seek Him and accept Him as the one who gave His life so that we can be saved from hell and be at home with Him in heaven.

Easter blessings to you and yours.