A Brief Look Back
Note from Jesus Dear Child of God, What drew you to follow Me? What called your heart to open up to Me? What convinced you that We — Father, Son, and Spirit — deeply love you and want you as part of Our family? During the last week before My crucifixion, Philip and Andrew brought some Greeks (non-Jews) to Me. They had come to worship at the Passover festival and wanted to see Me. The coming of non-Jews seeking to meet Me and learn about Me was a huge confirmation in My heart that the time had come for Me to go to the cross. You see, My death on the cross was for all people. It was one of the Father’s ways of drawing the hearts of all people to Him so they could know His love for them (John 12:32-33). For Me, going to the cross was the ultimate way to glorify the Father. In going to the cross, the Father exercised His power to reach out to Jews and non-Jews — including you today, whatever your racial identity. My cross called to the hearts of all those seeking for something more to life than what they had found — those seeking to know the one true God. As an instrument of execution, the cross was brutal, gross, morbid, and ghastly. While crucifixion was an excruciating death, the primary intention was to execute a person in as humiliating a way as possible. Crucifixion was intended to be a deterrent aimed at all those aligned with or sympathetic to the person crucified. For Me, as a Jew, crucifixion also carried another significant consequence: the person hung on a cross — sometimes called a pole or tree — was considered cursed by God (Deuteronomy 21:22-23). The apostle Paul would pick up on this theme and speak great truth about the cross when he said the following: The Anointed One [Christ], the Liberating King, has redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us. It was stated in the Scriptures, “Everyone who hangs on a tree is cursed by God.” (Galatians 3:13) My resurrection reversed the whole meaning of My execution on the cross. All of the shame, humiliation, pain, mockery, and rejection that I endured during My trial and crucifixion was turned into blessing — forgiveness, redemption, ransom, and salvation. I endured the worst aspects of humanity and hell to redeem you from them. And My salvation isn’t just for any one race or nation or people, but for all who find themselves drawn to My sacrifice, My love, and My grace. My body was planted like a seed in the ground. It lay there dead to life. Then the power of grace renewed My life, and I rose a victor over sin, death, and hell. Now, on your side of the resurrection, millions upon millions have accepted My offer of salvation, forgiveness, and grace. What I appeared to have lost in humiliation is now given back many times over. Such is the power of the resurrection and of My love, the love of your Savior. On top of all the blessings that stream from the mercy and grace of the cross and the empty tomb, remember this: this resurrection power is available to you to help you as you live for Me (Ephesians 1:17-20). My resurrection from death’s hold changes everything for you… even in the middle of the week, on a normal Thursday, that seems so far away from resurrection Sunday. I was lifted up from the earth so that you could be lifted up to share with Me in resurrected glory (Colossians 3:1-3). So blessings to you this Thursday as you live for Me by resurrection power from the Holy Spirit! Verses to Live So here is a brief look back as I was headed to the cross. After you read this, I hope you will remember the short little parable of the grain of wheat included in the following verses. Because of the resurrection power at work in you, when you offer yourself to Me and the work of the kingdom, your sacrifices and efforts are multiplied by grace to touch more hearts. That is the power of My cross and the empty tomb… even on a seemingly unimportant Thursday — a day to plant seeds and share in the future harvest of grace! Pharisees (to one another): Our efforts to squelch Him [Jesus] have not worked, but now is not the time for action. Look, the world is following after Him. Among the crowds traveling to Jerusalem were Greeks seeking to follow God and worship at the great feast. Some of them came to Philip with an important request. Greek Pilgrims (to Philip): Sir, we are hoping to meet Jesus. Philip, a disciple from the Galilean village of Bethsaida, told Andrew that these Greeks wanted to see Jesus. Together Andrew and Philip approached Jesus to inform Him about the request. Jesus (to Philip and Andrew): The time has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. I tell you the truth: unless a grain of wheat is planted in the ground and dies, it remains a solitary seed. But when it is planted, it produces in death a great harvest. The one who loves this life will lose it, and the one who despises it in this world will have life forevermore. Anyone who serves Me must follow My path; anyone who serves Me will want to be where I am, and he will be honored by the Father. My spirit is low and unsettled. How can I ask the Father to save Me from this hour? This hour is the purpose for which I have come into the world. But what I can say is this: “Father, glorify Your name!” Suddenly a voice echoed from the heavens. The Father: I have glorified My name. And again I will bring glory in this hour that will resound throughout
Today’s Verse – 1 Thessalonians 4:3
It is God’s will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality… —1 Thessalonians 4:3 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… Sanctified sounds “churchy” and old-fashioned to many people today. However, sanctified is a powerful God-fashioned word that means to make someone or something special, holy, reserved, and prepared for God’s use and glory, something or someone that is not common. We are called to be an uncommon people, holy, and set apart for God (1 Peter 2:9-10). This is especially true regarding sexual immorality, something pervasive in the culture of the early church and today. We’re to stay far away from it, glorifying and honoring God with our bodies (1 Corinthians 6:18-20) while celebrating God’s plan for joyful sexual fulfillment in marriage (Proverbs 5; 1 Corinthians 7:1-7). My Prayer… Father God, please protect and empower us as we seek to resist sexual temptation in our sexually charged culture. We consciously offer ourselves and our bodies to you as holy sacrifices, seeking to glorify, honor, and please you in how we use our bodies. In Jesus’ name, each of us longs to worship you with all our heart, mind, speech, and physical strength. Amen. All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.
The Crux of It All!
Note from Jesus Dear Child of God, After the apostle Paul spent years opposing My followers and My message, I revealed Myself to him on the road to Damascus (Acts 9:1-19), and he was changed forever. He took the good news message of My death, burial, and resurrection all over the Roman empire. Thousands upon thousands of people were transformed as a result of Paul’s conversion and influence, and his influence continues through his writings in the Bible. Paul could plumb the depths of theology. He could connect My coming to the promises of God in the Old Testament. This great teacher could also make things very simple and clear. Paul summarized “what was most important” about the gospel into three clear truths (1 Corinthians 15:3-4 NLT): Christ died for our sins, just as the Scriptures said. He was buried… [H]e was raised from the dead on the third day, just as the Scriptures said. Paul also tied this saving faith to baptism, which he connected to these three truths (Romans 6:3-4 NLT): [W]hen we were joined with Christ Jesus in baptism, we joined him in his death. [W]e died and were buried with Christ by baptism. [J]ust as Christ was raised from the dead by the glorious power of the Father, now we also may live new lives. At the heart of your new life in Me is what I did on the cross, in the tomb, and in My resurrection from the dead. My victory opened the way for you to share in My saving grace and also eventually in My glory: For you were buried with Christ when you were baptized. And with him you were raised to new life because you trusted the mighty power of God, Who raised Christ from the dead. … Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God’s right hand. Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth. For you died to this life, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God. (Colossians 2:12 NLT; Colossians 3:1-3 NLT) What happened with My death, burial, and resurrection is the essential core of salvation. Do you believe these truths? Have you shared in these saving events with Me through your baptism? I want your life to be fresh and new. I want your faith to be full of hope! Therefore, if anyone is united with the Anointed One, that person is a new creation. The old life is gone — and see — a new life has begun. (2 Corinthians 5:17) Verses to Live Notice all the ways Paul emphasizes that this saving faith is essential, what is most important, and what are the essential truths necessary for you to believe if you are going to be saved! Let me remind you, brothers and sisters, of the good news that I preached to you when we first met. It’s the essential message that you have taken to heart, the central story you now base your life on; and through this gospel, you are liberated — unless, of course, your faith has come to nothing. For I passed down to you the crux of it all which I had also received from others, that the Anointed One, the Liberating King, died for our sins and was buried and raised from the dead on the third day. All this happened to fulfill the Scriptures; it was the perfect climax to God’s covenant story. Afterward He appeared alive to Cephas (you may know him as Simon Peter), then to the rest of the twelve. If that were not amazing enough, on one occasion, He appeared to more than 500 believers at one time. Many of those brothers and sisters are still around to tell the story, though some have fallen asleep in Jesus. Soon He appeared to James, His brother and the leader of the Jerusalem church, and then to all the rest of the emissaries He Himself commissioned. Last of all, He appeared to me… (1 Corinthians 15:1-8) Response in Prayer Father, thank You for the future glory promised me as one who has trusted Jesus and shared with Him in His death, burial, and resurrection. In His name, I pray. Amen. ‘A Year with Jesus’ is written by Phil Ware. © 1998-2024, Heartlight, Inc. ‘A Year with Jesus‘ is part of the Heartlight Network.All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from The Voice™. © 2008 by Ecclesia Bible Society. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Today’s Verse – Ephesians 4:2-3
Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. —Ephesians 4:2-3 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… Effort, sweat, and dedication seem to have become the profanity of Western Christianity. To our age of grace-abusers and grace-cheapeners who don’t see acts of obedient faith as necessary to authentic discipleship, the Holy Spirit reaches out with his truth. The Spirit reminds us that relationships on earth, even those in Jesus’ family, require patient effort, gritty love, personal sacrifice, gracious forgiveness, and rigorous determination. If we read Jesus’ prayer for unity in John 17:20-21, how could we not make every effort to keep his Body unified and be loving and patient with each other? Since Jesus purchased our salvation with his sweat, grace, and blood, how can we balk when our passionate efforts are required to preserve the unity and peace of Jesus’ family? My Prayer… Dear Heavenly Father, forgive my impatience with others and my lack of forgiveness for them. Holy Spirit, change my heart to do better in these things. Stir your Spirit within me to curb my tongue, soften my heart, and extend more effort to others who need your blessing. Please, dear Father, use me to be a peacemaker in your Kingdom. I ask this, O LORD, in Jesus’ name. Amen. All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.
Receive the Breath of Heaven
Note from Jesus Dear Disciple, Mary Magdalene, Peter, John, and a couple of disciples on the road to Emmaus weren’t the only ones to meet Me on that first day of My resurrection. Whether I met them at the tomb, along the road, or over a meal, they saw that the inexplicable and seemingly impossible was true. There were more surprises as I showed Myself alive to those closest to Me. Many were startled and even terrified when I showed up among them as they were locked inside the upper room. My proof of life was very simple. I asked the people to look at My scars. I also asked them to give Me a bite of their broiled fish. Fear gradually gave way to joy. This joy was so rich and full that they could still scarcely believe. It was simply too good to be true. Except it was true! My resurrection was incredible for them. I wanted them — and I want you — to know that this good news of My life, crucifixion, and resurrection is not news to hoard or hide. This news is not for a few faithful followers tucked away and withdrawn from the doubters. This joy was not to be fearfully locked up and hidden from the everyday world of real people. I want the good news of My life, death, and resurrection to be shared with everyone. So I drew My disciples close to Me and spoke words to them that I also want you to hear: I give you the gift of peace. In the same way the Father sent Me, I am now sending you. The mission of testifying to My resurrection wouldn’t be easy — not for My first disciples and not for you. So I drew My disciples close to Me and let My “breath” fall on them. I told them, “Welcome the Holy Spirit of the living God.” (The same word in the languages I spoke was used to mean both “breath” and “spirit.”) I reminded them about the Spirit Whom I had promised to send to them when I returned to the Father. In this moment of tender and joyful closeness, I wanted My disciples to know that I would be present with them and within them through the Holy Spirit, the Breath of heaven. My presence in them through the Holy Spirit would empower them to fulfill their mission of testifying to My resurrection. Over the next few weeks, I will share with you some of those things I had originally spoken to My disciples on the night I was betrayed. I talked to them about the coming of the Spirit, their great Helper that I would send to be with them and to live within in them. Today, I want to remind you of two truths about the Holy Spirit, the Breath of heaven. First, the Holy Spirit is not just about power and presence; the Spirit is also the holy and cleansing fire of heaven that I send to cleanse you (1 Corinthians 6:9-11; Titus 3:3-7) and to give you the power to forgive others. Second, the Holy Spirit will be in you as an endless blessing of grace. You cannot exhaust the supply of My presence, grace, and power within you. Remember My earlier promise about the Holy Spirit: On the last day, the biggest day of the festival, Jesus stood again and spoke aloud. Jesus: If any of you is thirsty, come to Me and drink. If you believe in Me, the Hebrew Scriptures say that rivers of living water will flow from within you. Jesus was referring to the realities of life in the Spirit made available to everyone who believes in Him. But the Spirit had not yet arrived because Jesus had not been glorified. (John 7:37-39) Now that I had been glorified, they were about to experience the powerful work of the Spirit. As you read the verses below, please know that My presence and power are also available to you through the Holy Spirit today. So come close to Me. Lean in and let Me share the Breath of heaven with you so that you can answer My call: In the same way the Father sent Me, I am now sending you. Go and please share My grace by the power of the Spirit! Verses to Live Today we have sections of scripture from two of the Gospels. The first section, from Luke’s Gospel, begins with the last few verses from yesterday. It continues to recount My joining the disciples in Jerusalem and interacting with them. The second section from John’s Gospel also gives an account of My interaction with some disciples. Things are recorded in both sections to demonstrate that I was really alive, raised from the dead. I was really present with them in My resurrected body, interacting with them and telling them about the coming of the Holy Spirit to help them fulfill their mission to tell others about Me. So they [the two disciples Jesus met on the road to Emmaus] get up immediately and rush back to Jerusalem — all seven miles — where they find the eleven gathered together — the eleven plus a number of others. [The followers had gathered together behind locked doors in fear that some of the Jewish leaders in Jerusalem were still searching for them.] Before Cleopas and his companion can tell their story, the others have their own story to tell. Other Disciples: The Lord has risen indeed! It’s true! He appeared to Simon! Then the two men report their own experience — their conversation along the road, their moment of realization and recognition as He broke the bread. At that very instant, as they’re still telling the story, Jesus is there, standing among them! Jesus: May you have peace! They’re startled and terrified; they think they’re seeing a ghost. Jesus: Why are you upset? Why are your hearts churning with questions? Look —
Today’s Verse – Psalm 4:1
Answer me when I call to you, O my righteous God. Give me relief from my distress; be merciful to me and hear my prayer. —Psalm 4:1 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… At first, this cry for help seems very demanding by those of us who are praying to God. Closer inspection shows that this is really a cry of desperation — Give me relief from my distress; be merciful to me and hear my prayer. Have you been there? I surely have, and I regularly hear from folks who are there right now. But, dear friend in Jesus, read this whole psalm. What is the secret to surviving a long agony? I believe three things are important, and they are found in this psalm: Honesty in our prayer life with God (Psalm 4:1-2). Confidence that God hears and cares even when our prayers sizzle with pain and frustration (Psalm 4:3-5). Genuine praise for God that is included in our prayers even when things seem bleak, others oppose us, and God feels distant (Psalm 4:6-8). Such an approach to prayer is not a magical formula but a Spirit-inspired one — check it out in Psalm 4:1-8! My Prayer… O God, please hear our cries for relief and the relief of all who are yours in agony from their burdens and suffering because of their faith. Please answer in amazing and miraculous ways so that we may not only be relieved but may also glorify you. We pray that those who see you working in the lives of ordinary and desperate people will come to find refuge in you, too, even if they have mocked us. Please, dear LORD, don’t let those who mock your people and seek false gods triumph over those seeking to honor you. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen. All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.
Beyond Bread
Note from Jesus Dear Precious Disciple, Today, I hope you realize that everything is different because of what we celebrated together yesterday. Resurrection Sunday changed everything for all of time! On Sunday afternoon after My resurrection, I caught up with a couple of disappointed and confused disciples walking back home to Emmaus. The disciples didn’t recognize Me when they spoke these words that were poignant reminders of crushed hopes, yet they were still waiting to see what the rumors of My resurrection would actually mean: We had been hoping that He [Jesus] was the One — you know, the One Who would liberate all Israel and bring God’s promises. Anyway, on top of all this, just this morning — the third day after the execution — some women in our group really shocked us. They went to the tomb early this morning, but they didn’t see His body anywhere. Then they came back and told us they did see something — a vision of heavenly messengers — and these messengers said that Jesus was alive. Some people in our group went to the tomb to check it out, and just as the women had said, it was empty. But they didn’t see Jesus. So I stepped into their disappointment, confusion, and weariness. I gave them the sacred blessing of My presence and My grace through the ordinariness of a simple meal, a prayer of blessing, and an explanation about My work on earth. I broke bread with them — something that I had repeatedly done throughout My ministry. Luke was very good to show you how often I shared a meal with precious people. Some of these people were opposed to Me, some were seeking something more than they had found in their staid religious practices, some were passionate disciples who loved Me, and some were just hanging around with me. Regardless of the reason, each of them was precious to Me. For Me, beginning My passion with a meal and celebrating My resurrection with a meal were natural. My meal with two disappointed disciples was very simple and ordinary, except… they recognized Me in the breaking of the bread. So as you continue this week, I want to remind you of one very simple, and I hope very exciting, promise that I made: For when two or three gather together in My name, I am there in the midst of them. (Matthew 18:20) And this promise is fully true when you share a simple meal, call on My name, talk about Me, think about the Scriptures, and share in the love you have for each other. In your busy and harried lives, you often try to segment life into sacred and secular, holy and ordinary. As your resurrected Lord, I hope you will receive My presence with you at meals as an incredible gift with the simple and gracious joy that I give to you. Anytime and anywhere that you gather with fellow believers and eat food, share in fellowship, and call on My name, you have carved out an especially sacred space in ordinary life. After all, isn’t that part of what My life was about? Wasn’t I the Holy One of heaven Who came to earth to be your human host Who makes all meals in My name into an especially sacred moment of shared grace! So join Me on the road or at the family dinner table or the communion table. Each of these is an especially sacred place of grace when you gather in My name to remember, reflect, and renew our friendship. More than just giving thanks for your meals, invite Me into the moment and let’s share together in an ordinary, yet especially sacred, space of grace! Verses to Live This story that Luke provides is very precious to Me. Enjoy your reading. Begin anticipating when we will sit at the table of grace together with your friends and family of faith. Blessings to you as you read! Picture this: That same day [resurrection Sunday], two other disciples (not of the eleven) are traveling the seven miles from Jerusalem to Emmaus. As they walk along, they talk back and forth about all that has transpired during recent days. While they’re talking, discussing, and conversing, Jesus catches up to them and begins walking with them, but for some reason they don’t recognize Him. Jesus: You two seem deeply engrossed in conversation. What are you talking about as you walk along this road? They stop walking and just stand there, looking sad. One of them — Cleopas is his name — speaks up. Cleopas: You must be the only visitor in Jerusalem Who hasn’t heard about what’s been going on over the last few days. Jesus: What are you talking about? Two Disciples: It’s all about the man named Jesus of Nazareth. He was a mighty prophet Who did amazing miracles and preached powerful messages in the sight of God and everyone around. Our chief priests and authorities handed Him over to be executed — crucified, in fact. We had been hoping that He was the One — you know, the One Who would liberate all Israel and bring God’s promises. Anyway, on top of all this, just this morning — the third day after the execution — some women in our group really shocked us. They went to the tomb early this morning, but they didn’t see His body anywhere. Then they came back and told us they did see something — a vision of heavenly messengers — and these messengers said that Jesus was alive. Some people in our group went to the tomb to check it out, and just as the women had said, it was empty. But they didn’t see Jesus. Jesus: Come on, men! Why are you being so foolish? Why are your hearts so sluggish when it comes to believing what the prophets have been saying all along? Didn’t it have to be this way? Didn’t the Anointed
Today’s Verse – Proverbs 3:31-32
Do not envy a violent man or choose any of his ways, for the LORD detests a perverse man but takes the upright into his confidence. —Proverbs 3:31-32 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… While many are seeking a cure for the rampaging violence in our cultures that is destroying lives, threatening schools, destroying nations, and making our streets unsafe, why has no one bothered to remind us what God’s wise servant taught us centuries ago? Let’s not let any person, real or fictional, be our hero if their fame is built on violence. “Do not envy a violent man or choose any of his ways…” I can hear some of you saying, “Wow, Phil, that’s not a popular position based on what we see on TV and in the movies!” Please realize this is not me saying it, but one of God’s inspired writers. “Do not envy a violent man or choose any of his ways…” The son of Israel’s most famous warrior understood the dangers of violence in any form. Indeed, the Son of the Most Powerful on High said it best: “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” My Prayer… Almighty God, save us from the violence of our culture. Save us from the violence of the wicked. Save us from the worship of violent power that permeates our world. Please, dear Father, give us heroes who are strong, noble, and are true peacemakers. In addition, dear Father, please give us eyes to see them and the courage to honor them. In Jesus’ name, I pray for your peace in our world. Amen. All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.
Welcome to Son Rise
Note from Jesus Dear Follower and Friend, Let there be light. And light flashed into being. (Genesis 1:3) Yes, I was there the very first time light drove away the darkness at creation. In fact, I AM the living Word Who brought creation into existence (John 1:1-5; Colossians 1:16). You shouldn’t be surprised that I was there for the great rising of the sun on that Sunday after my crucifixion. Just as I, Jesus the Christ and Son of God, was slain as the Passover Lamb for the sins of the world, I triumphed over the grave to end death’s hold over you. I AM the Lord of creation and I am the Lord of Resurrection Sunday. You may call it Easter, yet for heaven’s angels, that resurrection morning was Son Rise. This event is the great day of victory for each of you who has placed your faith in Me. The power of sin and death was defeated. Broken hearts with shattered dreams were suddenly jubilant. With Son Rise, they were joyously stitched together with unconquerable hope realizing that I AM forever victorious over the power of sin, hell, and the grave. I know you will have hard days, dark days, that are too long and feel hopeless. So as you read the verses below, I want you to notice that Mary Magdalene twice calls Me her Lord even though she thinks that death still holds Me. So, on your days that are too long and feel hopeless, I want you to hang onto faith like Mary did. Call out to Me as your Lord. Trust Me as your Lord. Hang on to Me as Lord even when there appears to be no reason to keep holding onto faith in Me. Sooner or later, like for Mary, there will be Son Rise! That is the promise of Resurrection Sunday. That is the assurance that Mary Magdalene’s example of faith can give you. Rejoice today, but not just today. Every sunrise is a reminder that death cannot hold you when you are in My life-giving grip. Every cemetery sorrow is but a temporary parting for those touched by My grace. Remember this: the grave cannot hold those who have put their faith in Me as Lord. With Me, there is always the promise of Son Rise! Verses to Live Death is the horror that hell has used to enslave humanity. When you see the broken heart of My mother, Mary, as she watches Me die, please know I came to bring hope to such pain. When you see Peter devastated by his betrayal as I faced death, please know I came to remove such shame. When you see Mary Magdalene touched first by My powerful grace when I cast out the demons oppressing her and then confused and broken by My death, please know that I am Lord of life and of the assurance that hope triumphs over death. When you see the sunrise, remember Me and remember Son Rise. I bring light to darkness, hope to despair, healing to brokenness, and, most of all, life to death. Hear these words and remember, Son Rise! Near the place He [Jesus] was crucified, there was a garden with a newly prepared tomb. Because it was the day of preparation, they [Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus] arranged to lay Jesus in this tomb so they could rest on the Sabbath. Before the sun had risen on Sunday morning, Mary Magdalene made a trip to the tomb where His body was laid to rest. In the darkness, she discovered the covering had been rolled away. She darted out of the garden to find Simon Peter and the dearly loved disciple to deliver this startling news. Mary Magdalene: They have taken the body of our Lord, and we cannot find Him! Together, they all departed for the tomb to see for themselves. They began to run, and Peter could not keep up. The beloved disciple arrived first but did not go in. There was no corpse in the tomb, only the linens and cloths He was wrapped in. When Simon Peter finally arrived, he went into the tomb and observed the same: the cloth that covered His face appeared to have been folded carefully and placed, not with the linen cloths, but to the side. After Peter pointed this out, the other disciple (who had arrived long before Peter) also entered the tomb; and based on what he saw, faith began to well up inside him! Before this moment, none of them understood the Scriptures and why He must be raised from the dead. Then they all went to their homes. Mary, however, stood outside the tomb sobbing, crying, and kneeling at its entrance. As she cried, two heavenly messengers appeared before her sitting where Jesus’ head and feet had been laid. Heavenly Messengers: Dear woman, why are you weeping? Mary Magdalene: They have taken away my Lord, and I cannot find Him. After uttering these words, she turned around to see Jesus standing before her, but she did not recognize Him. Jesus: Dear woman, why are you sobbing? Who is it you are looking for? She still had no idea Who it was before her. Thinking He was the gardener, she muttered: Mary Magdalene: Sir, if you are the one who carried Him away, then tell me where He is and I will retrieve Him. Jesus: Mary! Mary Magdalene (turning to Jesus and speaking in Hebrew): Rabboni, my Teacher! Jesus: Mary, you cannot hold Me. I must rise above this world to be with My Father, Who is also your Father; My God, Who is also your God. Go tell this to all My brothers. Mary Magdalene obeyed and went directly to His disciples. Mary Magdalene (announcing to the disciples): I have seen the Lord… (John 19:41-42; John 20:1-18) Response in Prayer Almighty God — so high and exalted, yet so near — I praise You and thank You for Your power,
Today’s Verse – John 3:30
He must become greater; I must become less. —John 3:30 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… This ultimate formula for greatness did not take many words for John the Baptist to articulate. What’s your formula? Paul told the Galatians that they needed a similar approach to greatness: Christ must be formed in them (Galatians 4:19). He told the Colossians that he expended every ounce of energy God supplied to have them become mature in their complete and perfect in their conformity to Jesus (Colossians 1:28-29). Paul told the Corinthians the Spirit was transforming them to become like Jesus with ever-increasing likeness as they pursued Jesus as LORD (2 Corinthians 3:18). Most importantly, Jesus the goal of any of his faithful followers, his disciples, should be to become like him, their Teacher and Lord (Luke 6:40). So, don’t you think that maybe this is the essential formula for your life? Jesus must become greater in us as what we selfishly want becomes less! My Prayer… Dear Father in heaven, in my heart, and in my life, may Jesus become more significant and I become less because I know less of me, and more of Jesus living through me will be far more than I could ever be without him! In Jesus’ name, I ask this. Amen. All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.