Easter Week 4 - A Conversation About Living In Christ

Let's celebrate Easter together! In addition to this week's episode on living in Christ, enjoy the devotional and reflection questions.

Easter Devotional On Living in Christ

By Katie Torbett

I have always loved Easter. Growing up, my sister and I were always angels in our Easter drama at church. We had long white robes with sparkling sleeves and would perform sign language to the song “Arise my Love” by NewSong. This scene always ended with claps and shouts from the audience and was a powerful reminder of Jesus’ defeat over death. While it is the most powerful event in history, Jesus first revealed His resurrection far more subtly than the Easter drama picture I grew up with. As noted by Wendi in this podcast episode, His powerful resurrection was displayed privately and intimately. 

We find the full picture of this scene in John 20:1-18. Mary Magdalene goes to the tomb in the dark and finds that the stone is rolled away. Of course, she goes into panic mode thinking that someone has stolen Jesus’ body. She runs to find Peter and another disciple, and sure enough, the scene is as bad as she fears. They quickly leave to gather the other disciples while Mary stays staring at the empty grave in terror, tears streaming down her face. 

While we read this story every year, knowing the ending, it’s important to remember that Mary had no clue. Even though Jesus had hinted towards His resurrection numerous times, it doesn’t click with Mary. I picture her in that moment laden with heart-sinking grief. A situation that she thought couldn’t possibly get worse just did and here she stands scared, alone, and broken. 

Have you ever been in Mary’s shoes? So trapped by grief that nothing around you makes sense or even exists? The only thing you see, hear, and feel is the deep pain and the sharp longing to go back to the previous day, month, or year before you knew such a pain. I believe that is where Mary was at this moment. And, while Jesus could have made Himself known to anyone and everyone, He first came to Mary. While she was crying to the angels at the tomb, Jesus was right behind her, waiting to comfort and bring her out of the pain and confusion she felt. 

Jesus still does this for us today. That is the resurrection. It does not take away the painful memories we have, but it transforms our grief into joy by providing everlasting Hope. Let’s let Him transform our pain today and live the life of Hope that He has provided for us!

Reflection Questions

Read through John 20:1-18. What about Jesus’ revealing himself to Mary stands out to you? How does Mary’s reaction encourage you to worship Jesus?

Considering the hope that we have through Jesus’ resurrection, what step can you take in growing in your faith through His power? (Consider opportunities to serve, areas of repentance or forgiveness, prayer, giving, etc.)

Jesus desires to know us individually and intimately – His love for us is overwhelming! Is there someone in your life with whom you can share this beautiful news? Pray for an opportunity to do so, and for the Holy Spirit to give you the words to share!

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