The Tomb is Empty! Jesus is Alive!

"...While it was still dark, Mary Magdalene went to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the entrance. (John 20:1b)"

Can you imagine what emotions were running through her mind?

Perhaps her chest was pounding as she envisioned the worst, but toyed with the best scenario. 

Could it be?

After she had alerted the disciples, they all hurried back to the tomb--John looking in, Peter rushing inside.  Jesus was not there. The tomb was empty. They did not understand.

The men went back to their homes, but Mary stood outside the tomb crying. This time as she bent in to look again, there were two angels all in white sitting at the head and foot of where He once lay.

A voice interrupted her thoughts.

"Woman, why are you crying? (v.13)"

"They have taken my Lord away, and I don't know where they have put him. (v.13)"

Mary turned around to see whom she was speaking with. Assuming this man before her was the gardener, she pleaded with him to tell her where Jesus had been taken.

At that moment, He spoke the most beautiful word to her aching ears--"Mary. (v.16)"

He knew her name! He said her name! And it had a familiar ring to it! It was the Lord!

Mary's spiritual eyes were opened.  She cried out, "Rabboni! (v.16)"

Imagine her overwhelming excitement! The deep sadness was now gone as she embraced her Savior.

"Do not hold on to me, for I have not yet returned to the Father. Go instead to my brothers and tell them, 'I am returning to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.' (v.17)"

Mary did not miss a beat. She probably ran that day like a young schoolgirl. As she found the disciples she exclaimed, "I have seen the Lord! (v.18)"

HE'S ALIVE!!

--------

We have been given this great news as well. Who will you tell today? This testimony of Jesus' resurrection has the power to change lives, renew hearts and save souls.

Jesus is alive! He has overcome sin, death, and the grave. If we believe that He died on the cross for our sins and arose on the third day; if we ask Him to forgive us, then come into our life and be Lord, He will!!

May you experience the richness of this day and every day with Jesus our Savior and our King!

Happy Easter, everyone! Happy Resurrection Day! He's Alive!

Kristi