John 20:1-9

“Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene went to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the entrance. So she came running to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one that Jesus loved, and said, ‘They have taken the Lord out of the tomb and we don’t know where they have put him!’ So Peter and the other disciple started for the tomb. Both were running but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. He bent over and looked in at the strips of linen lying there but did not go in. Then Simon Peter came along behind him and went straight into the tomb. He saw the strips of linen lying there, as well as the cloth that had been wrapped around Jesus’ head. The cloth was still lying in its place, separate from the linen. Finally the other disciple, who had reached the tomb first, also went inside. He saw and believed. (They still did not understand from Scripture that Jesus had to rise from the dead.)

Its amazing to me that even though the disciples and Mary Magdalene were in Jesus’ presence and heard from him what was to happen they still didn’t comprehend what happened right away. Like today’s people when they hear of the resurrection it might take time for them to comprehend it. They may first believe its just a story someone made up, then they may need to investigate the facts for themselves. But its only when they encounter Jesus personally that they are able to accept what Jesus did for them. Then when they commit themselves to him and walk in faith that they will begin to fully understand the reality of his presence with them. Isn’t it wonderful that God loved each of us so much that he would send his Son to die for us and to be raised from the dead? Hallelujah!!!

Dear Lord, thank you for your gift of everlasting life. Help me to see others who need to see who you truly are. Give me courage and grace to show your love to them. Thank you that no matter where we are in our lives you are there to welcome us into the fold. Praise your name on this day of remembrance for your death and your risen life. I pray all this in Jesus’ name. Amen.