Post by foxjj on May 9, 2023 18:04:02 GMT
He Is Not Here, He Is Risen
Recalling the events of the last few days, the woman known as Mary from Magdalene wondered how it came to such a tragic end. Wasn't it only days earlier that the people welcomed the Master into Jerusalem with shouts of "Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord"? (Mark 11:9). Each day people had eagerly gathered to hear Him teach in the temple courts. What brought the change that led to His arrest that tragic night?
On the day of the trial before the Roman governor Pilate, she heard shouts of: "Crucify him!" The memory of the angry voices of the mob still haunt her. She had followed among the onlookers as Jesus carried His cross through Jerusalem’s streets. Outside the city walls He was led up Golgotha where the Roman occupiers executed criminals. Mary still carries the pain of seeing her master mocked and brutality abused.
While endeavoring to comfort His mother, Mary stood weeping as her Lord hung dying upon the cruel cross. Along with the other witnesses Mary heard Jesus call out those amazing words: "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” ( Luke 23: 34)
Three days have now passed as Mary and her companions move through the streets in the early light. Dawn had not yet changed the color of the dark night sky to the bright blue of the new day. The women were still in mourning as they made their way to the garden which contained the Masters tomb. Mary and her companions carried spices to anoint their Lord’s hastily entombed body.
As the women enter the garden the sun had risen, overcoming the darkness and bringing light to the garden. Speaking among themselves as they approach the tomb, they discuss how to roll away the large stone sealing the entrance.
To their dismay the stone had already been removed. Two men in shining garments are there, and ask "Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here, he is risen"(Luke 24:5).
Mary sees a man nearby who seems to be the gardener. Approaching, she asks if he had removed the body. Her heart leaps for joy as the familiar voice speaks her name: "Mary." Falling at His feet she encounters the Risen Lord who tells her to go and carry the news to the disciples (John 20:14-17). In joyful obedience, Mary became the first to proclaim the Good News that Jesus has risen. Yes, He has indeed risen.
Today, let us thank our Heavenly Father for our Risen Lord.
John Joseph Fox.
Recalling the events of the last few days, the woman known as Mary from Magdalene wondered how it came to such a tragic end. Wasn't it only days earlier that the people welcomed the Master into Jerusalem with shouts of "Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord"? (Mark 11:9). Each day people had eagerly gathered to hear Him teach in the temple courts. What brought the change that led to His arrest that tragic night?
On the day of the trial before the Roman governor Pilate, she heard shouts of: "Crucify him!" The memory of the angry voices of the mob still haunt her. She had followed among the onlookers as Jesus carried His cross through Jerusalem’s streets. Outside the city walls He was led up Golgotha where the Roman occupiers executed criminals. Mary still carries the pain of seeing her master mocked and brutality abused.
While endeavoring to comfort His mother, Mary stood weeping as her Lord hung dying upon the cruel cross. Along with the other witnesses Mary heard Jesus call out those amazing words: "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” ( Luke 23: 34)
Three days have now passed as Mary and her companions move through the streets in the early light. Dawn had not yet changed the color of the dark night sky to the bright blue of the new day. The women were still in mourning as they made their way to the garden which contained the Masters tomb. Mary and her companions carried spices to anoint their Lord’s hastily entombed body.
As the women enter the garden the sun had risen, overcoming the darkness and bringing light to the garden. Speaking among themselves as they approach the tomb, they discuss how to roll away the large stone sealing the entrance.
To their dismay the stone had already been removed. Two men in shining garments are there, and ask "Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here, he is risen"(Luke 24:5).
Mary sees a man nearby who seems to be the gardener. Approaching, she asks if he had removed the body. Her heart leaps for joy as the familiar voice speaks her name: "Mary." Falling at His feet she encounters the Risen Lord who tells her to go and carry the news to the disciples (John 20:14-17). In joyful obedience, Mary became the first to proclaim the Good News that Jesus has risen. Yes, He has indeed risen.
Today, let us thank our Heavenly Father for our Risen Lord.
John Joseph Fox.