Easter Sunday: To The Saviour

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Mary Magdalene went to the disciples with the news: “I have seen the Lord!” And she told them that he had said these things to her.

John 20:18 (NIV)

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He is Risen! Hallelujah! What a glorious day!

Today, our Lent journey comes to an end. After a day of death, a day of silence, today is the day of Life. Over the last 40 days, we have travelled on a journey of preparation for this day. For a few moments this morning, amidst the excitement that comes with the best news ever, take a moment to quiet your heart. Take a moment to breathe. Just as before, invite Him to spend this time with you. Today, reflect on the journey. Reflect on the journey you have been on. Reflect on the journey the disciples went on all those years ago.

I wonder if you will go back with me to that time. I wonder how it must have felt. Over the last seven days, the disciples had been in many different places. From the triumphant entry in Jerusalem, to the temple, to Jesus’ final lesson on earth, to the place of that table, to the place of that cross, and now today to a different place again.

After days of agonising pain, fear, and disappointment, the disciples’ journey with Christ was coming to an end. It happened in a way that at the start, none would have predicted, none would have been prepared for. A few of them went to the resting place of Jesus. A place they expected death. A place they expected tears, loss, and grief. A place of dashed hopes, shattered dreams, and abruptly ended relationships. On the road before them, lay the tomb of the one who was meant to change things. The one who was meant to deliver them. The one who was meant to be the Messiah. Yet, what they found was not death and so, right before them, the penultimate chapter in God’s great rescue mission was ending in the most powerful way possible – victory over death. Jesus has overcome.

Now we, like them, stand at the tomb. What we find is not death, as we expect, but rather we find what defeats death, tramples on it and crushes it. Instead of fear, hopelessness and despair, we find security, hope, and life. We find Jesus, who was dead but now is alive. In that moment, we know. We know what has happened. God’s promise was complete. He has turned everything upside down. He has given us a way back. We have been redeemed.

In John 20, we see a scene between Mary and Jesus take place. In this moment we see Mary receive the first commission, just as Jesus gives the disciples before His ascension, Jesus tells Mary to “Go…and tell.” I would imagine she would need no encouragement. She had just seen the resurrected Lord. What excitement she must have felt! All that had happened didn’t matter. Her debt was wiped clean. Her life changed forever!

You see, just like Mary all those years ago, we have the same call – “Go…and tell.” We are all on the same journey to the Saviour. Over your Lent journey, I hope and pray that God has revealed himself in a new way during this different time. Today, he gives you the keys to eternal life once more. Today, the challenge is this: will you take up your cross and follow Him? To live a life of faith. To put your confidence in Him. To give Him a place in your heart. To allow Him to bless you. You see, before you were even born, you were chosen. Not just by anyone, but by the Creator of everything. The Father of all, the Son who gave up his life and the Spirit that flows. The One who was there in the beginning and will be there at the end. He is calling out to you. Will you respond?

This morning, I encourage you to reflect on your personal journey. What has spoken to you this Lent? What can you take forward into the coming year? How can you respond to the call He has placed on your life? What will you give to the Saviour?

As if till now, I'd never lived All that I'd done before Won't matter anymore I've just seen Jesus And I'll never be the same again

It was His voice she first heard Those kind gentle words Asking what was her reason for tears And I sobbed in despair My Lord is not there He said, "Child, it is I, I am here"

I've just seen Jesus I tell you He's alive I've just seen Jesus Our precious Lord alive And I knew, He really saw me too

Amen