Before the crucifixion, Jesus told his disciples that he was going away to the one that sent him and that they would grieve and mourn.  But he also promised that when he returned, there would be wonderful joy!!!  Jesus compared this grief and joy to a woman in stressful labor in giving birth and then the wonderful joy after the child is born.

I would like to have been in Mary Magdalene’s place to be the first to see and recognize Jesus after he was Resurrected.  She knew it was him when he called her by her name, “Mary!”

She cried out, “Rabboni”, which is Hebrew for teacher.  Mary was not named as one of the official disciples , but she became a faithful follower of Jesus after he drove multiple demons out of her.  She showed Jesus the same love, care, and compassion that he had shown her.  

Would you have like to have been in Mary Magdalene’s place?  At first, we probably would have been confused like she was but then her fear turned to wonderful joy as Jesus had promised.  That same joy is now ours as we celebrate Easter 

Jesus’ Resurrection is the key to Christian faith:

• Jesus rose from the dead.
• Jesus’ bodily Resurrection shows us that he is a living Christ.
• We can believe in our resurrection. Death is not the end!

Yes, I wish I had been there with Mary on that first Easter morning  . . . but we can still rejoice in the risen Savior!  He is back!!!