Easter
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Getting a Life!
1Early on Sunday morning, as the new day was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went out to see the tomb. 2Suddenly there was a great earthquake, because an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and rolled aside the stone and sat on it. 3His face shone like lightning, and his clothing was as white as snow. 4The guards shook with fear when they saw him, and they fell into a dead faint. 5Then the angel spoke to the women. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I know you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. 6He isn’t here! He has been raised from the dead, just as he said would happen. Come, see where his body was lying. 7And now, go quickly and tell his disciples he has been raised from the dead, and he is going ahead of you to Galilee. You will see him there. Remember, I have told you.”
8The women ran quickly from the tomb. They were very frightened but also filled with great joy, and they rushed to find the disciples to give them the angel’s message. 9And as they went, Jesus met them. “Greetings!” he said. And they ran to him, held his feet, and worshiped him. 10Then Jesus said to them, “Don’t be afraid! Go tell my brothers to leave for Galilee, and they will see me there.”
11As the women were on their way into the city, some of the men who had been guarding the tomb went to the leading priests and told them what had happened. 12A meeting of all the religious leaders was called, and they decided to bribe the soldiers. 13They told the soldiers, “You must say, ‘Jesus’ disciples came during the night while we were sleeping, and they stole his body.’ 14If the governor hears about it, we’ll stand up for you and everything will be all right.” 15So the guards accepted the bribe and said what they were told to say. Their story spread widely among the Jews, and they still tell it today. Matthew 28:1-15
My Prayer Today
Heavenly Father, Thank You that every time I read the Easter story it ends up the same—Jesus is ALIVE! Thank You that even death could not hold Jesus down. Thank You that I have a sure and living Hope because of Jesus. I pray that as I go about this day, that You will open doors for me to share the Good News with others, and that I will see them and “walk through.” Fill me with Your Holy Spirit right now that I may be all that You call me to be and do all that You call me to do. This I pray in the strong name of Jesus, my risen Redeemer and Lord. Amen.
Questions and Comments for Reflection and Action:
What is the most amazing aspect of Jesus’ resurrection to you?
As you review Matthew 28:1-15, record the aspects of the account that give you greater assurance that Jesus truly rose from the grave. Are there any aspects of the account that make you wonder about the resurrection?
How is God’s purpose for us to worship Him seen in the Easter account in Matthew 28?
What is the one thing you most need to apply from today’s reading in your life right now?