Darkness, earthquakes and temple veils ripped as Jesus breathed his last. What did it all mean? Mary wondered as she followed Joseph to the tomb and saw her Lord’s body laid to rest. The day’s events played continually in her mind as she prepared spices and perfumes with the other women that night. And all through the next day, she wondered as she rested in obedience to the Sabbath commandment.

Finally, it was the third day. She rose early to visit her Master. He’d always had answers when he was alive. Maybe just being close to him would ease the questions that flooded her mind. As she approached the tomb, a violent earthquake threw her to the ground. A heavenly being appeared and rolled back the stone covering her Lord’s tomb. Mary covered her eyes to fend off the brilliant whiteness.

“He is not here,” said the angel. “He has risen, just as he said. Come and see.”

Heart pounding, Mary fled to tell Peter and the others. “They’ve taken the Lord,” she cried. “And we don’t know where they’ve put him!”

Weeping afresh, she followed as the disciples went to see for themselves. Would the torture never end? Couldn’t she pay her respects in peace?

“Woman, why are you crying?” asked a voice. “Who is it you are looking for?”

“Sir,” she sniffed without looking up. “If you have carried him away, tell me where, and I will go get him.”

“Mary.”

Her mouth went dry. Were her ears playing tricks on her? That voice…the way he said her name…

Mary turned around and there He was. Her Lord, alive and smiling at her with tender love. “Rabboni!” she cried, reaching for Him.

“Do not hold on to me,” Jesus said. “For I have not yet ascended to my Father. Go and tell my brothers that I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.”

Heart singing, Mary ran off once more to find Peter and the others. The words poured out the moment she burst through the door. “I have seen the Lord!”

For Mary finally understood: Jesus had risen, just as He said.

Happy Resurrection Day!

Bible Study for April 16: He Is Risen