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Matthew 28:1-10 (Common English Bible)
After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to look at the tomb. 2 Look, there was a great earthquake, for an angel from the Lord came down from heaven. Coming to the stone, he rolled it away and sat on it. 3 Now his face was like lightning and his clothes as white as snow. 4 The guards were so terrified of him that they shook with fear and became like dead men. 5 But the angel said to the women, “Don’t be afraid. I know that you are looking for Jesus who was crucified. 6 He isn’t here, because he’s been raised from the dead, just as he said. Come, see the place where they laid him. 7 Now hurry, go and tell his disciples, ‘He’s been raised from the dead. He’s going on ahead of you to Galilee. You will see him there.’ I’ve given the message to you.”
8 With great fear and excitement, they hurried away from the tomb and ran to tell his disciples. 9 But Jesus met them and greeted them. They came and grabbed his feet and worshipped him. 10 Then Jesus said to them, “Don’t be afraid. Go and tell my brothers that I am going into Galilee. They will see me there.”
Summary:
We have journeyed with Jesus through the wilderness, through the crucifixion and discover Jesus anew at his resurrection. Like Mary Magdelene and the other Mary, we come looking for Jesus to discover he is not where we expected. We did not expect to be celebrating Jesus’ resurrection from our homes, online or by the phone, but here we are. Some of us could not imagine an Easter morning without coming to the Sanctuary, but here we are as a worshipping community, not isolated but re-connected to one other and the world as the body of Christ.
Though Christ isn’t where we expected, we are lost no more and discover Christ anew in this season. Like Mary Magdelene, in the midst of tragedy and despair, we are called the share “the good news” of the Resurrection and invite others to meet the resurrected Christ who waits for us all.
Reflection Questions:
- What is a word, phrase or image that comes to mind when you read or hear the text?
- What does this scripture teach you about looking for Jesus?
- What does God invite you to do, change or be through this passage?