A Journey with Jesus during Lent

Monday, April 3, 2023

A Journey with Jesus during Lent

Day 36

Matthew 28:5-7

The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples: ‘He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.’ Now I have told you.”

Welcome to Holy Week Sisters.

Can’t you just imagine the conversation between the group of women that were headed to Jesus’ tomb? Let's set the scene: They were walking and talking, probably sharing stories from their time with Jesus. When they approached Jesus’ tomb, they saw that the stone was rolled away, the entrance was open, and an angel was seated there.

The angel spoke first. Perhaps sensing that they would be frightened, he told them not to fear. He calmed the women by assuring them that he knew why they had come. They had come because they were looking for Jesus who was crucified.

Then the angel added some of the most powerful words ever spoken, words that still define our hope in Christ. "He is not here, for he has risen, as he said."

The words "as he said" are a very important part of the angel’s message because the phrase confirmed that Jesus knew He would be resurrected. These words served as evidence that Jesus fully participated in the events that led to His own terrible death and ultimately His glorious resurrection. The empty tomb was and is the hope of our eternal life. Our scripture today ends with the angel giving the women an assignment, a message to deliver. The women were instructed to go, ASAP, and tell the disciples the good news - the news that Jesus was alive, and that He would reunite with them in Galilee.

Sisters, have you ever thought about the fact that virtually everyone who sees an angel, in Scripture, reacts in fear? I think that is a natural human reaction when we encounter things that we don’t understand. But let me ask you this...how does the hope of the empty tomb help you when you experience fear in your own life? Please share in thee comments below.

Dear Jesus,

We praise You and give thanks that we get to journey with You through this season of Lent. Draw us closer to Your heart, that we might know You better. After we daily reflect on Your selflessness and life-giving Word, give us wisdom to be Your hands and feet in the world just as You intend. Give us hearts of compassion, hands of generosity, and feet that take Your good news to the world. We love You and are honored to serve you Lord, our sweet Savior. Amen.

Week 7 Act of Kindness

“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” Ephesians 4:32

This week, with the Holy Spirit’s prompting, do a random act of kindness for someone.