Daily Devotional - Day 47

Easter Sunday

Today’s Reading: (John 20:13-16)

After witnessing Christ’s traumatic death, Mary Magdalene hurried to the tomb, hoping to anoint His body (Mark 16:1), only to discover the massive stone had been rolled away. Grief-stricken, Mary’s heart thrashed against her ribcage--tears blurring her vision as she stumbled along the path.

A man’s voice interrupted her sobs, “Woman, why are you weeping?”

Perhaps this man could help her find the Master.

But as the sound of Mary’s name fell from His lips, she recognized Him. Jesus.

Finally, Mary understood.

The words of her beloved Savior reverberated in Mary’s thoughts, “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand.” (John 10:27-28 NKJV)

Christ calls each of us by name, as well. Can you hear the love in His voice?

As we celebrate His resurrection, may we pause to remember that sin entered the world in one garden, but Jesus triumphed over its power in a second garden? Because of the Shepherd’s victory, we will follow Him to our forever home.

Reflection Question for Today: 

When was the last time you thanked Jesus for the gift of eternal life?

An Easter Sunday Prayer: 

Jesus, this Easter Sunday, we celebrate and thank you that our names, imprinted forever on your palms, stand testimony to your faithfulness. Although our eyes sometimes shift to the temporal, help us to serve others selflessly, love generously, and walk faithfully after you. Guide us in your ways, Lord, and fill us with your Spirit so that we might know your peace. Amen