Easter Devotional
Meeting Jesus
Casey McCormick, Associate Minister
Mount Pulaski Christian Church

[April 08, 2019]  What appeared to be the beginning of the end started on Tuesday. While spending time with people in Bethany, at the home of Simon the Leper, Jesus was anointed by a woman, in what he says was to ‘prepare him for burial.’ Judas then made the decision to betray Jesus for 30 pieces of silver.

On Wednesday, it is likely that Jesus spent the day with His disciples and rested.

On Thursday, Jesus and his disciples shared what we call “The Last Supper” on the night of Passover, a celebration of God delivering His people. Jesus spent time in prayer that night and was arrested.

Friday, he was beaten, wrongfully sentenced to death, and put on a cross until he breathed his last breath. He was buried in a tomb that was sealed with a large stone and guarded by soldiers.

Then we get to Sunday morning, bright and early.

After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb.

There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow.

The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men.

The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples: ‘He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.’ Now I have told you.”

So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples.

Suddenly Jesus met them. “Greetings,” he said. They came to him, clasped his feet and worshiped him.

Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me.” - Matthew 28:1-10

My favorite words in all of the Bible - "Suddenly Jesus met them." - The tomb was empty. - Jesus’ body was gone.

There may have been so much confusion. But then it happens. Jesus met them.

When we meet Jesus, when we know Jesus, that’s when life changes. ~ Jesus dying on the cross for us is a reminder of God’s love. ~ His resurrection reminds us of God’s power. ~ And when Jesus meets us we are reminded that God truly cares.