The tenderness of the meeting of the Risen Christ with Mary Magdalene should bring tears to our eyes. This dedicated follower of Jesus had gone to the tomb to tend to his body. She didn’t know what God was doing, she only knew that she loved her Lord. When the tomb was empty, she was heartbroken. “They have taken away my Lord, and I don’t know where they have put Him,” she cried. Jesus gently and soothingly called her name, “Mary.” And when she heard Him call, she recognized the voice of her shepherd. In an instant, grief turned to joy and wonder. She called him Teacher and clasped Him. Jesus didn’t tell her she couldn’t touch him, but he told her not to cling to Him because He couldn’t stay there. He had other things He had to do.
The joy of the Resurrection should be as personal to us as it was to Mary Magdalene. We should shed tears of grief and repentance at the cross. We should shed tears of joy, relief, and triumph at the empty tomb. Jesus’ death was our death. He died for our sins. His resurrection is our resurrection. He rises to eternal life and takes us with Him. This is the triumph of God’s plan. This takes the power away from sin and death.
Do you know that Christ will carry you into eternal life? If you want to start following Him, pray about it and talk to your local church. If you are following Him, spend some time in praise and worship for the amazing things He has done for you.