A Journey with Jesus during Lent

Tuesday, April 4, 2023

A Journey with Jesus during Lent

Day 37

Matthew 28:8-10

So, the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples. Suddenly Jesus met them. “Greetings,” he said. They came to him, clasped his feet and worshiped him. Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me.”

Following the instructions of the angel the women did as told. They left quickly and, as Matthew wrote… they were both afraid and filled with joy.

Fear and Joy – Two very different emotions paired together for one very specific purpose – to go and spread the good news.

While on their way, perhaps running, to report all of this to the disciples, the women had an unexpected encounter with Jesus. That’s right - their beloved Jesus, the same Jesus that they had seen die on the cross, was standing there in front of them. The same Jesus whose lifeless body was wrapped and buried in the now empty tomb was standing before them greeting them with a casual hello.

The women fell at Jesus' feet. I can’t help but ask this question – were they worshiping or wondering? Maybe it was both. Maybe they fell down humbly worshiping Him, but also, wondering - wanting to touch His feet for proof that He really was alive.

Jesus reiterated what the angel had said. He told them, again, not to be afraid. He also reminded them of their mission – to go and tell his brothers that He was alive and He would see them in Galilee.

If Jesus chose these women to share His story with the disciples… wouldn’t that mean that these ladies were the first evangelists? And, as a woman in a world where many women feel they have to fight to be seen and heard, how does it make you feel to know that women were the first humans chosen by Christ to share the Good News? What responsibility do we have because of their example?

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.