Jesus Changes Everything

Pierhead Light. Saint Joseph, Michigan

When the stone was rolled against the door of the tomb, Mary of Magdala and Mary the mother of Joses are the only followers of Jesus reported to be there. Where are the twelve apostles? Where are all the men? Except for Joseph of Arimethea and Nicodemus who carried Jesus from Golgotha to the tomb, they are all hiding in fear.

Throughout history, it has always been the women who hold society together while the men tear it apart. Even during Jesus' trial, the wife of Pilate interceded on His behalf. Women, by nature, beloved, have an attitude that is much more in tune with the heart of God. Fearless, honest, compassionate.

Since the Sabbath began on the day of Jesus' death, everyone was required by the law to "rest" From Friday sunset until Sunday sunrise.

But these same two fearless women are found violating the law. Matthew tells us (28:1) that before dawn on Sunday they were back at the tomb to anoint Jesus' body for burial, clueless as to how they would remove the stone.

We can only wonder how they felt as they approached the tomb and saw the stone rolled away. Entering, they find a young man arrayed in a white robe sitting on the right. He utters the words that the universe has been waiting to hear. The words that change everything forever, "why seek ye the living among the dead? He is not hear. He is risen."

In an instant, everything is changed. Isaiah's prophecy is true. Jesus' announcement that He is the fulfillment is true. We are forever changed. No more shades of grey, only black and white. As these women fearlessly chose to stay close to Jesus, now we can do the same. And as you do, beloved, day by day you will see the truth of the hymnwriter's words;

TURN YOUR EYES UPON JESUS, LOOK FULL IN HIS WONDERFUL FACE. AND THE THINGS OF EARTH WILL GROW STRANGELY DIM. IN THE LIGHT OF HIS GLORY AND GRACE.

Jesus changes everything.