Day 13

Take a moment to pause, be still, and prepare your heart and mind to receive God’s word. 

Today’s Scripture:

The Resurrection

28 Early on Sunday morning,^[a] as the new day was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went out to visit the tomb.

² Suddenly there was a great earthquake! For an angel of the Lord came down from heaven, rolled aside the stone, and sat on it. ³ His face shone like lightning, and his clothing was as white as snow. ⁴ The guards shook with fear when they saw him, and they fell into a dead faint.

⁵ Then the angel spoke to the women. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I know you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. ⁶ He isn’t here! He is risen from the dead, just as he said would happen. Come, see where his body was lying. ⁷ And now, go quickly and tell his disciples that he has risen from the dead, and he is going ahead of you to Galilee. You will see him there. Remember what I have told you.”

⁸ The women ran quickly from the tomb. They were very frightened but also filled with great joy, and they rushed to give the disciples the angel’s message. ⁹ And as they went, Jesus met them and greeted them. And they ran to him, grasped his feet, and worshiped him. ¹⁰ Then Jesus said to them, “Don’t be afraid! Go tell my brothers to leave for Galilee, and they will see me there.”

Matthew 28:1-10 NLT

A new day dawning. 

What more can be said about this moment in human history? This singular event changed everything. Because of Christ’s death and resurrection, we are able to be in the presence of God forever, as his dearly loved children. No longer are we marked by our sin. Instead, we are cloaked in the righteousness of his Son. 

Every night I sing “How Deep the Father’s Love” to my son. As I was putting him to sleep last night with this passage on my mind, the last verse struck me in a fresh way. The hymnist summed up his heart’s response to the resurrection in a way that beautifully matched my own. 

I will not boast in anything
No gifts, no power, no wisdom
But I will boast in Jesus Christ
His death and resurrection
Why should I gain from His reward?
I cannot give an answer
But this I know with all my heart
His wounds have paid my ransom

Reflect

When the angel told the women at the tomb that Jesus had risen, he added, “Just as he said.” What are other things God has done in human history and in your life “just as he said” he would? Write out some promises of God that you’ve seen fulfilled.

Pray

Step into a prayer of thanksgiving and praise for the Father’s sacrifice of his son.

Family Moment

Take turns having everyone share the gospel in their own words. How would you share with a friend or family member? Have you ever had a time where you felt compelled to share the good news with someone?