Where is Jesus for you today? He’s not on the cross—His work on the cross is finished. He’s not in the tomb— that grave is empty. He’s risen from the dead! So, is He on your mind? In your heart? On your lips when you speak? Just where IS Jesus?
That question was on Mary Magdalene’s mind when she and other women went to the tomb to anoint Jesus’ body which had been placed there after his crucifixion on the previous Friday. They couldn’t do it on the sabbath, so “Early on Sunday morning, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb and found that the stone had been rolled away from the entrance. She ran and found Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved. She said, ‘They have taken the Lord’s body out of the tomb, and we don’t know where they have put Him!’” (John 20: 1-2) Both men ran to the tomb.
“They were both running, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. He stooped and looked in and saw the linen wrappings lying there, but he didn’t go in. Then Simon Peter arrived and went inside. He also noticed the linen wrappings lying there, while the cloth that had covered Jesus’ head was folded up and lying apart from the other wrappings.” (John 20: 3-7) The writer of this account, John, is the same John who arrived at the tomb first and looked in, but didn’t go in. Peter barreled right past him to inspect the scene. “Then the disciple who had reached the tomb first also went in, and he saw and believed— for until then they still hadn’t understood the Scriptures that said Jesus must rise from the dead.’ (John 20: 8-9). Now, John and Peter realized Jesus’ resurrection was real.
Peter and John saw that this was no normal removal of the burial wrappings, which were lying there in their regular folds as if Jesus’ body had simply evaporated out of them. His words, “I am the resurrection and the life” finally sunk into their minds and hearts. John shows you the moment that he believed even without yet seeing the risen Christ!
Mary Magdalene, persistent in searching for Jesus, later saw Him near the tomb but took him for a gardener. “Jesus said to her, ‘Mary.’ She turned toward Him and cried out in Aramaic, ‘Rabbani!’ (which means ‘Teacher’). Jesus said, ‘Do not hold on to Me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father.’” (John 20:16-17) For the next 40 days before ascending, Jesus appeared multiple times—once to over 500 people at the same time. These amazed eyewitnesses preached a message that has spread across the entire world for the last 2,000 years. “Jesus Is Alive!”
For the rest of their days, the Disciples proclaimed the reality of the resurrection and preached the gospel even if it meant their own death. Through His work on the cross and the empty tomb, Jesus fully completed the work of salvation for all who believe and follow Him.
It’s not enough to stay at the entrance and look into the tomb. At some point, you need to examine your heart and perhaps have the greatest mind-blowing epiphany of your life. As for LECC’s congregation, we serve the Lord, because the resurrection changes everything!
We’d be happy for you to join us at 415987 Highway 9, Eufaula for small group Bible study at 10 a.m., worship at 11 a.m. and Wednesday night all age activities at 6:30 p.m. Let the realization hit you—He is risen!
God Bless You!
Jeremy Little, Minister
