On that first Easter shouts of Christ is Risen, He is Risen indeed were not heard. Instead there were first cries of the tomb is empty! As the mystery and meaning of this event unfolded for the women and men who followed Jesus their weeping and bewilderment would turn to joy at the news that Jesus’ resurrection had won victory over the grave.
The tomb is still empty for us today. We are left with the same message that was given to Mary, to go and tell that Jesus lives and reigns. We are left with the same image of an empty tomb and a word to share. This word is that we need not fear all that life has to bring because we are Easter people; people who live in the hope of resurrection, people who can proclaim the FULL promises of God–grace, mercy, forgiveness and a God who walks with us through it all and ultimately gives us a full life in the eternal.
May you remember each day that the tomb is empty. May you know that you are a child of God given the full promises of the resurrection. May you live your life in this word, in this hope.
Christ is Risen! Christ is Risen indeed! Alleluia!
Our family had a long conversation at lunch Easter Sunday about who “the disciple that Jesus loved” is – we looked at all four gospels hoping to solve this mystery. We found no sure answer, but were wondering if this disciple could have been a child? (He ran faster than Peter, but was afraid to enter the tomb right away)
You have hit on a subject that actually has much debate around it with no definitive answer! I have not heard the theory of him being a child before, but it’s an interesting thought! The ‘beloved disciple’ is only mentioned in the Gospel of John and is mentioned four times. The usual answer is that it was John, the author the gospel but there is really not that much evidence to support it. I read the wikipedia answer and it actually sums up the debate and possibilities pretty well and sites good sources, so rather than write a super long post here is a link! http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Disciple_whom_Jesus_loved