He is Risen, Mary’s Account

The Empty Tomb on Easter Morning

Please Look Up and Read: Matthew 28:1-8 and John 20:1-23

Mary speaking: "It’s Sunday, the Sabbath; what a terrible few days it’s been. They crucified My Lord, Jesus, three days ago. I’m still in shock over it all. My heart feels weary, and so filled with sorrow. I’ve cried what feels like a lifetime of tears in the last two days. There may be a few left. In their place is a shattered emptiness —like the tomb where they placed Him.

I’m trying to remember everything the Master told all of us—but the words seem so foggy in my mind—a few of those remaining tears flow down my cheeks when I think of all that He endured—the crown of thorns that dug into His perfect brow and temples, the lashings on His back that would have killed any other man; the nails that they pounded until they went through His hands and feet. How they mocked and abused Him. With images that are still so fresh in my mind, my throat clogs whenever I try to recall His promises. 

A few of us ladies are going to the tomb this morning to anoint His body. It’s still dark outside. We’ll go before the sun rises to escape any mockers who remain. We’ll give Him this last offering and a proper burial, ministering to Him with herbs and oils.

As we approach, there’s a great quaking of the earth. The ground that we’re walking on seems to be at war with itself. We must stop, brace ourselves, and wait for the great waves to subside. Rocks fall at our feet, disturbing what little peace we have left! We don’t know whether to go forward or back. We look at one another and nod. Onward. We are on a mission!

As we approached the place where they laid Him, we noticed the stone had been rolled away. If you imagine it—an angel, come down from heaven—sits on the stone that we know was sealed. How can THAT be? The angel’s face shone like lightning, and his apparel was like pure snow. The guards that stood nearby quaked—just as the earth had done moments before!!

Then the angel spoke! He talked to us, women. He said: “Don’t be afraid; I know you’re looking for Jesus, the One who was crucified, but He’s not here. He is Risen! He said, “Come and see where He lay.” 

We entered the tomb on tenterhooks, holding hands tightly and tentatively moving our feet. The angel himself gave off enough light in the predawn to illuminate the tomb. It was empty! Save the wrappings, the linen grave clothes, and the folded face covering—Jesus had risen just as He had said. 

The angel instructed us—“Go quickly and tell His Disciples.”

We found Peter and John. John was also called Jesus’ favorite—the One Whom He loved. The men want to see what we’d been telling them—for themselves. Who wouldn’t? We all go back to the gravesite together. They found everything just as we said. They, too, are struggling with their faith, yet they are filled with awe and wonder! Their eyes are filled with tears and questions that seem to match our own. 

Each of us is left to go our way, to collect our thoughts, to ponder. As the other Mary, Joanna, and I walked along, we encountered someone on the road. I think he’s the gardener. Our heads were down, and we were whispering about everything that had happened.

And then, I hear my name called “Mary, Mary.” I look toward the one I think is the gardener and see His eyes. They are kind, warm, and loving. They hold mine with a tender gaze. “Rabbi,” quietly falls from my lips in recognition. Jesus doesn’t look exactly the same, but it’s Him! I try to embrace Him. Both of us fell to our knees in worship. 

Jesus Himself commissions us to deliver a message—He asks us to tell the Disciples that He is Risen and will meet them in Galilee. 

Oh, to see Jesus alive! My heart was beating so fast I thought I would faint. Yet, just seeing Him—being in His beloved presence again—and knowing that He kept His promise and had resurrected from the grave gave me such hope. It made my faith soar! What a day it’s been. I’m not sure my feet will ever touch the earth again—so great is my joy!"

Dear Ones, the same power that resurrected Jesus from the grave can be alive in your life. When Jesus ascended into heaven to rule and reign at the right hand of God—He gave us the gift of His Spirit. He comes to dwell within us. It is the Spirit Himself who whispers an invitation to one’s soul. We acknowledge our sinful nature and our need for a Savior. We surrender our lives to Him and ask Him to be our Lord and Shepherd and guide us in our daily decisions and routines. 

We begin to develop a relationship with Jesus, much like you would with a new friend. You learn to know what He likes and what displeases Him! How do you do that?—by reading His Word, praying,  listening, and including Him in everything you do. Over time, you’ll learn to see His faithfulness. You’ll see how He’s answering your prayers. You’ll find that the Spirit is developing your trust in Him and that God always keeps His promises. 

There’s no better time than Easter to take this leap of faith. Jesus loves you. He gave His life to prove it. He rose again so that you can be resurrected on the last day. What are you afraid of? It’s time to believe!

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by: deborah goshorn-stenger 2 Pause and Praise Creations ©