~ The Two Marys ~

[Lani]

Matthew 28:1-10

1 In the end of the sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulchre.
2 And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it.
3 His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow:
4 And for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead men.
5 And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified.
6 He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.
7 And go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead; and, behold, he goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see him: lo, I have told you.
8 And they departed quickly from the sepulchre with fear and great joy; and did run to bring his disciples word.
9 And as they went to tell his disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, All hail. And they came and held him by the feet, and worshipped him.
10 Then said Jesus unto them, Be not afraid: go tell my brethren that they go into Galilee, and there shall they see me.


After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb. Matthew 28:1 (NIV)



I love the two Marys. They were the first ones to arrive at the tomb, the first ones to hear the angel, the first to learn the good news that Jesus had risen from the dead and to believe it, and the first to tell others the message that has been repeated around the world for 2,000 years: “Jesus has risen from the dead!”

The Marys were the first to be filled with resurrection joy, the first to see the risen Jesus, and the first to worship him. They were the first, but they weren't the last – because they told the disciples and the disciples told others and those others told others... until someone told you and someone told me.

Now we are called to continue what the two Marys began. We tell others the Good News that changed the world of that time and of every time since – my personal world and yours, too. Jesus is risen, and because he lives, we shall live also.

There could be no better news than that!


Prayer: Dear God, thank you for loving us enough to sacrifice your son. Make us bold to share the news of salvation with the world. Amen.

Prayer Focus of Day: Everyone who shares the Good News of Christ

Thought for the Day: Write a thank-you note to someone who told you about Christ.

Story shared by: D. Johnson (FL)
Source: Upper Room Daily Devotional: 9/1/11