John 20:1-8
1 The first day of the week cometh Mary Magdalene early, when it was yet dark, unto the sepulchre, and seeth the stone taken away from the sepulchre.
2 Then she runneth, and cometh to Simon Peter, and to the other disciple, whom Jesus loved, and saith unto them, They have taken away the Lord out of the sepulchre, and we know not where they have laid him.
3 Peter therefore went forth, and that other disciple, and came to the sepulchre.
4 So they ran both together: and the other disciple did outrun Peter, and came first to the sepulchre.
5 And he stooping down, and looking in, saw the linen clothes lying; yet went he not in.
6 Then cometh Simon Peter following him, and went into the sepulchre, and seeth the linen clothes lie,
7 And the napkin, that was about his head, not lying with the linen clothes, but wrapped together in a place by itself.
8 Then went in also that other disciple, which came first to the sepulchre, and he saw, and believed.
9 For as yet they knew not the scripture, that he must rise again from the dead.
10 Then the disciples went away again unto their own home.
11 But Mary stood without at the sepulchre weeping: and as she wept, she stooped down, and looked into the sepulchre,
12 And seeth two angels in white sitting, the one at the head, and the other at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain.
13 And they say unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? She saith unto them, Because they have taken away my Lord, and I know not where they have laid him.
14 And when she had thus said, she turned herself back, and saw Jesus standing, and knew not that it was Jesus.
15 Jesus saith unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? whom seekest thou? She, supposing him to be the gardener, saith unto him, Sir, if thou have borne him hence, tell me where thou hast laid him, and I will take him away.
16 Jesus saith unto her, Mary. She turned herself, and saith unto him, Rabboni; which is to say, Master.
17 Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God.
18 Mary Magdalene came and told the disciples that she had seen the Lord, and that he had spoken these things unto her.
Mary came to visit Jesus as soon as she could. Mary experienced the miraculous things that He did in her life and was forever changed. Changed to the point that she could not stand to be without Him.
The scripture says she came early when it was yet dark. Most of us hardly ever wake before the light and when we do most usually it is for a job or school.
What a deep need for Christ she reflected. Sometimes we have to deny our own flesh and seek after Jesus. In the uncomfortable times early in the morning setting other things aside to seek Him.
When Jesus revealed Himself to Mary, she was brought great comfort and assurance. Jesus charged her to go share the good news with the disciples. When God comforts us, it is with this design, that we may comfort others.
You know the goodness of God when you have truly experienced an encounter with Jesus. You have the beautiful opportunity to share this with others. Not to hold others accountable for not having the same knowledge you have. Jesus wants His people to share His goodness.
This Easter, we as a church have gone through so much. Adjusting to online services, trial and error as we battle with technology. A storm causing unbelievable damage to our physical building, and so many of our own homes. Saints in our church going without power for days and families still trying to adjust to this “new normal.”
But Jesus is still the same, His promises are still the same. The same God that died on a cross and rose again, is alive today. We have a wonderful opportunity to share with souls the goodness of God.
We are the church, we are the body of Christ, and we need to be running from the grave to the lost souls of this world. Telling them our God is ALIVE! He is able to heal, He is able to repair, and He is a provider!
Prayer: Jesus lead me today. Lead me to the soul you would like for me to share your goodness with. Help me to hold fiercely to mercy and grace and greet others with your forgiveness. Help me to remember every blessing you have put in my life and share this with others. Help me to live a life that is a walking testimony to you.