Easter is for you
John 20:1-18
Easter is not detached from us, something that happened in the past, it is for each of us today. Jesus died and rose again for each of us. Mary’s story shows us that Jesus is for us. She was the first person Jesus appeared to after Gus resurrection. He wants to reveal Himself to each of us today. Mary’s story relates to each of us today.
- Easter is for great sinners – Mary’s had probably been a prostitute. She may have been the one who annointed Jesus’ feet. She had been demon possessed. She was a great sinner, but Jesus chose to appear to her first. He could have appeared to those who had persecuted Him, but He appeared to a despised, sinful woman. His resurrection is for great sinners like us. Everyone of us struggles with sin. We all sin in what we say, what we do and what we think. Even the Apostle Paul called himself the “Chief of sinners”! You will never understand Easter unless you accept you are a great sinner who deserves the judgement of God. None of us are good enough (Romans 3:23). Easter is for each of us personally. Jesus died and rose for all of us.
- Easter is about a great saviour – Mary was there because Jesus had not rejected her. He had showed her what true love is. Jesus had saved and rescued her. She owed everything to Him. She loved Him. This Easter Jesus invites us to come to Him. He will not reject us if we come to Him. We can know His resurrection power at work in our lives. Our problems are not to big for Jesus. He can deliver us from sin and set us free. He can give us life in all it’s fulness (John 10:10). She was at the tomb because her saviour had been crucified. She was devastated. Her saviour, Lord and master was dead. She refused to run away. She had followed Joseph and Nicodemus to see where they had laid Jesus. She knew where His tomb was and she wanted to show her devotion to Him by anointing His dead body with oil. She did not understand what was going on and overwhelmed with grief. She did not understand that God had a plan. The empty tomb was a great surprise for Mary. She was in so much grief and confusion she didn’t recognise Jesus, but He simply spoke her name. Never forget that Jesus knows your name. He is calling your name today. How will you respond to Him? Will you accept Him as your Lord and Saviour today?