1 Very early in the morning on the first day of the week, the women went to the tomb, bringing the fragrant spices they had prepared. 2 They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, 3 but when they went in, they didn’t find the body of the Lord Jesus. 4 They didn’t know what to make of this. Suddenly, two men were standing beside them in gleaming bright clothing. 5 The women were frightened and bowed their faces toward the ground, but the men said to them, “Why do you look for the living among the dead? 6 He isn’t here, but has been raised. Remember what he told you while he was still in Galilee, 7 that the Human One must be handed over to sinners, be crucified, and on the third day rise again.” 8 Then they remembered his words. 9 When they returned from the tomb, they reported all these things to the eleven and all the others. 10 It was Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the other women with them who told these things to the apostles. 11 Their words struck the apostles as nonsense, and they didn’t believe the women. 12 But Peter ran to the tomb. When he bent over to look inside, he saw only the linen cloth. Then he returned home, wondering what had happened.
Reflection
Yesterday, as I prepared for Easter, I went out doing errands and taking my dog to the groomer for a bath and trim. Later I picked up my golden and bright white doggie and was amazed by how truly white she is. I marveled, “Wow! I didn’t realize that she was all that dirty.”
As I went about town, I thought of Easter, of God, and Jesus’ death and resurrection. I thought of that empty tomb and the “two men… (in) gleaming bright clothing” who were standing by. “Why do you look for the living among the dead? He isn’t here, but has been raised.”
I thought of the gleaming white of heavenly beings. I thought of that empty tomb and living in the moment of questions. Where is the One who lives? I thought of what Jesus’ life and resurrection means for our lives being washed clean.
Sometimes we don’t realize just how truly in need of cleansing we are.
by Barbara Carlson
For Pondering & Prayer
Seeing Jesus’ empty tomb means all the death, dirtiness and sin of Friday is now gone. His resurrection cleanses us even when we don’t know we need it. What in your life needs to be cleansed? How does the empty tomb and Jesus’ life change your perspective?
Click here to see our schedule of in-person Easter Worship. Join us on Facebook or at our website for Easter Worship at 9:30 (contemporary) or 11:00 (traditional).
Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for offering your life for mine. Amen.
Comments are closed.