Imagine with me. Step back over two thousand years ago. Jesus had just given His life on the cross and was buried in the tomb. Matthew 27 verse 61 says, “And there was Mary Magdalene, and the other Mary, sitting over against the sepulchre.” After watching the crowd crucify Jesus, they weren’t afraid to be identified with Him. They wanted to be as close to Him as they could. But because of the Sabbath, they had to leave.

You’ve probably experienced the crushing sensation of losing a loved one. As a comparison that isn’t even hardly a comparison, imagine how the Marys felt as they left. Their Messiah and Savior had just died! Did their tears flow-did they talk as they walked—or were their hearts so burdened, there were no words to express? The next day probably passed slowly. Every second, every minute, every hour. Imagine. But it passed, and the next day, when there was a hint of light in the horizon, they rushed to the tomb. Was it a beautiful sunrise, the kind one hopes for on a Resurrection Sunday morning? Perhaps the sky glowed with hues of orange and vibrant pinks, with shafts of light radiating from the golden sun. “In the end of the sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulchre.”

Again. No fear. Just love for their Lord. An earthquake occurred first—whether they saw or felt it, we’re not told.

When they reached the tomb, they saw an angel who had come from Heaven and rolled the stone away. His clothes were brilliantly white, and his presence so awe-inspiring, one would fear just to see him. But he assured them not to fear. 

“… Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified. He is not here: for he is risen as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. And go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead: and behold, he goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see him; lo, I have told you.”

They left quickly, their hearts bursting with joy. Imagine! Quickly was not quick enough—they ran! They had the greatest news ever.

Jesus conquered death.

I’m grateful for my Savior’s sacrifice. Friends, Jesus offers eternal life to you. But it’s a gift, and a gift one must accept. “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.” [Romans 10:9-11]

As I ponder all that surrounded His death and resurrection, I think of His goodness. Jesus cares for us. He is burdened with our burdens. Think about the Marys. Jesus didn’t have to send an angel to tell them, but He did. He delights in blessing His children. He wants us to learn to trust Him in all things. Marvel in God’s goodness this week. Let it sink deep into your heart.

Love,
Sarah

“Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever
I have commanded you:and, lo, I am with you alway,
even unto the end of the world. Amen.”
Matthew 28:20