Easter
Thursday, March 27, 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 for loving your creation—including me, even though we rejected Your Son, Jesus, and caused Him to have to die on the cross. The resurrection is such a powerful reminder to me, of Your great power, but I never want to forget that the cross is such a powerful reminder of your justice and love. Thank You for sending Jesus to satisfy Your justice, and opening the door anew to receive Your love! Fill me with Your Holy Spirit right now, that I may live that love in joy and faithfulness. This I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Questions and Comments for Reflection and Action:
Why do you think a person may decide not to accept that Jesus truly rose from the dead?
What do we learn about angels from today’s Scripture? (28:1-7)
From the Scripture what must have been different about Jesus after his resurrection? (28:8-10)
Why do you suppose that God sent an angel to announce Jesus’ resurrection, instead of just having Jesus do it?
What aspect of the women’s faith, or of the angel’s command do you need to apply in your life?