SUNDAY April 20, 2025

Seeking the Risen Savior

But the angel answered and said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here; for He is risen, as He said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.”
Matthew 28:5-6

Sunday was the first day of a brand-new week––a new beginning. The previous week had literally been torturous. Jesus’ death by crucifixion had crushed the hopes of His followers. Three Mary’s had stood at the Cross. Mary the mother of Jesus, her sister, Mary the wife of Clopas (thought to be her sister-in law), and Mary Magdalene (John 19:25).

Early, while it was still dark, three women went to Jesus’ tomb to anoint His body. When they arrived, the sun had just risen:

...when the Sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices, that they might come and anoint Him. Very early in the morning, on the first day of the week, they came to the tomb when the sun had risen (Mark 16:1-2).

The women came with one purpose––to anoint Jesus’ body; but instead, they were met by an angel. What did the angel know about them? He knew they were all seeking Jesus. The angel invited them to see the place where the Lord lay. He was not there! He was their risen Savior!

In the Gospel of John, Mary Magdalene told Simon Peter and John that Jesus was no longer in the tomb. She and the other women with her did not know where he had been laid. The two disciples ran to see and returned home, but Mary remained outside the tomb, weeping. Two angels asked her why she was weeping, and, consumed by her sorrow, all she wanted to know was where He was laid. As she turned, Jesus spoke to her and said: “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?” (John 20:15). At that time, she thought Him to be the gardener, but Jesus revealed who He was to her. He simply said her name (John 20:15-16).

This Easter morning, if you seek the risen Savoir, your life can have a brand-new beginning. He calls to you by your name.

The Resurrection morning was only the beginning of a great, grand and vast outreach that has never ended and will not end until our Lord Jesus Christ comes again.
~A W. Tozer~

For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!