Easter Sunday, April 17 (HOLY WEEK DEVOTIONALS: Pictures from the Battlefield)

Easter Sunday, April 17

Photo by Bruno van der Kraan on Unsplash

“At this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not realize that it was Jesus. He asked her, “Woman, why are you crying? Who is it you are looking for?” Thinking he was the gardener, she said, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will get him.” Jesus said to her, “Mary.” She turned toward him and cried out in Aramaic, “Rabboni!” (which means “Teacher”)." John 20:14-16

Wars destroy. That proves that we are at war with God, with Satan, with others and with ourselves. Our actions destroy. It also proves that God is not at war with us. His actions heal, bring peace, and restore. What happens when we come to Jesus?

The power of sin and death is broken. We are forgiven and made whole in Jesus. Life flows in us, new life, His life. Our weeping turns to joy and our sorrow turns to laughter. Mary and the other women came to a tomb to care for a dead body. What she found was a Risen Lord. She did not recognize Him at first because she was not expecting Him. But then, He spoke her name: MARY. Put your name in the sentence: __________. She met Jesus at the point of victory, risen from the grave, holding the keys to death and the grave. He is Sovereign Lord over all. 

Jesus did not come to forgive our sins. He did that. But it was a means to an end. He came, according to His own word, “to give us life to the full”! (John 10:10) And that is what surrender gains us, new life, His life, in us. 

This Easter, we pray that you know this life. And if not, that you will run to the cross, ask Him to forgive you, and experience the life He wants to pour into you.

Prayer Prompts:

Lord, I praise You this Resurrection Sunday because you are my __________.

Lord, please draw my (friend, neighbor, family member) __________ to Yourself and show them Your life today through me.