Readings
Matthew 28:1-10
Devotion
Peace be with you! The Lord is risen! Alleluia!
Mary Magdalene and the other Mary go to the tomb early in the morning the day after the Sabbath (Matthew 28:1) to prepare Jesus’ body for a proper burial. Suddenly there is an earthquake as an angel descends from heaven and rolls away the stone from the tomb (Matthew 28:2).
We all know how much earthquakes—literal and symbolic—change people’s lives: their environment, their interrelationships, and how they live day-to-day. When I got divorced, I had to adapt to living alone, finding my group of friends again, and taking care the house. My foundation was shaken. I did not know whom I could trust and who just wanted information. My divorce changed my perspective on my life. Similarly, Jesus’ resurrection changes our lives. We change the way we live as we begin to follow Jesus Christ as his disciples. This gives us as a new identity as God’s children.
The resurrection is a pivotal change in history. It introduces a new way of life for individuals as disciples of Jesus Christ. The resurrection allows individuals to be in a relationship with the God the Father. The world Jesus rises from is not the same as it was when he entered it. God sends his light into the world and offers us forgiveness for our sins.
When we accept the light God offers to us, we experience psychosocial and spiritual healings. The light brings God into the world in a physical form, so we could get to know God the Father. Now two thousand years later we still have the light in the world as we continue to have a relationship with Jesus Christ. We continue to live with the light.
The angel says to Mary Magdalene and Mary, “Do not be afraid; I know that you are looking for Jesus who was crucified. He is not here; for he has been raised, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples, ‘He has been raised from the dead, and indeed he is going ahead of you to Galilee; there you will see him.’ This is my message for you” (Matthew 28:5-7).
Just as the angel sends Mary Magdalene and Mary to go and tell, we are to go and tell others about Jesus’ resurrection. We are a part of the announcement, that proclaims Jesus’ crucifixion, death, and resurrection and that frees us from our sins.
The gift of reconciliation is for all individuals who come into a relationship with God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. On the way, Jesus sends Mary Magdalene and Mary to Galilee to say, “Go and tell my brothers to meet me in Galilee” (Matthew 28:10).
Jesus reconciles with his disciples who fled when he was arrested. Jesus forgives his disciples, because he understands the hostility they would have experienced. Jesus understands his disciples are only humans. Jesus forgives both his disciples and us, and he reserves a spot in heaven for us. Jesus is the ambassador between God the Father and us. Jesus gives us an opportunity to be in a relationship with God the Father.
After my divorce, I found out I had a lot more friends than I thought. Individuals who did not come around while I was married started coming around when I got divorced. My relationships with others continue to blossom because my ex-husband is no longer around. I also started to learn amazing things about myself—how I like boiled eggs more than fried eggs, how I enjoy sending cards to friends each month, how organized and neat I am, how I enjoy exercising a few days a week, and more. I also found a church where I feel called to be apart of, which helped to bring me back into the Christian community. I have grown closer to the Triune God, because I can be apart of a church community without feeling as though I am going behind anyone’s back. The church community also uses my gifts and talents, which fulfills my sense of belonging and calling. My personal resurrection happened as a result of a bad relationship ending. I got a whole new perspective on life.
So go and tell the good news that Jesus Christ is risen!
Thanks be to God!
Dear Heavenly Father, Thank you for overcoming death for us, so we can be in a relationship with you. Help us to go and tell the good news of Jesus’ resurrection. Lead us into new life with you. Thank you for loving us. Amen.
Reflective Questions
Please feel free to answer the reflective questions through comments. Please agree to disagree and be respectable to each other. Please take a moment, if you have not already, to sign the covenant. You can answer all or just one of the questions.
- Why does the resurrection matter to you?
- How have you experienced a resurrection in your life?