This is not an April fool’s joke. On Easter Sunday, we celebrate the historical fact that Jesus “has risen from the dead.” When Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb, an angel of the Lord met them and told them,“He is not here, for he has risen, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples that he has risen from the dead, and behold, he is going before you to Galilee; there you will see him. See, I have told you." So they departed quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to tell his disciples. Matthew 28:6-8And on their way to tell the disciples, the two Mary’s met the risen Jesus.
And they came up and took hold of his feet and worshiped him. Then Jesus said to them, "Do not be afraid; go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee, and there they will see me." Matthew 28:9-10These first eye-witnesses of Jesus’ resurrection give us the biblical response to the resurrection of Jesus – worship and witness. Their first response was to fall down and worship Jesus as their risen Savior. I pray that is our first response to Jesus too, especially this Sunday morning.
But their second response was to go and tell others that Jesus “has risen from the dead!” That should be our second response to the resurrection. You still have time to invite a guest to our Easter Service this Sunday morning. Invite them to come and see for themselves that Jesus has risen from the dead.
Whether we invite a guest this Easter Sunday or night, we all have an opportunity to greet guests, serve guests, and by our participation bear witness to the risen Jesus. Please remember to park at Johnson Bank and leave no empty seats behind. I look forward to worshiping with all of you this Sunday morning.
