✝️ STUDY: Today, we celebrate the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. Prior to our text today, we saw the suffering, persecution, crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ. He was buried in a special tomb closed with a big stone and under the watch of soldiers to prevent his resurrection (Matt. 27:62-66). However, these human efforts could not hinder the plan of God, and Jesus rose from the dead on the third day. Mary Magdalene, a faithful disciple, came to the tomb early on the third day but met an empty tomb. She quickly called the attention of Peter and John to this. Thereafter, Peter and John came, saw the empty tomb, with the only content in it being the burial linen used to wrap the Lord’s body. Shortly after, they left without any further inquiry but with the assumption that some persons may have taken his corpse away. It was the persistency and uncommon love of Mary that made her stay behind and she had her first encounter with the risen Lord.
Casual seekers will never see the Lord but will only see the empty tomb. It is those who diligently seek the Lord with all their heart that will experience his divine love and encounter. As we celebrate the Risen Lord, let us wait on him to reveal himself to us so that we may encounter the power that raised him from the dead. The resurrection of Jesus will only be meaningful if we encounter him and become saved.