Easter Resurrection People
Bible Readings
Take a few minutes to read the Bible verses listed and ask the Holy Spirit to lead you in how this verse applies to you this week.
Memory Verse
Praise God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is so good, and by raising Jesus from death, he has given us new life and a hope that lives on. (CEV)
Early on a Sunday morning, Mary Magdalene felt very sad; in fact, she felt hopeless. Her teacher and friend had been crucified on Friday, and now, mysteriously, his tomb was empty. Mary stood alone outside the tomb, crying. But when she turned around, she saw a man standing there. She thought, “He must be the gardener.” He asked her, “Why are you crying? Who are you looking for?” She asked him to please tell her where Jesus’ body had been taken.
But then, the man said one word, and Mary realized that it wasn’t the gardener. He said, “Mary!” and she knew that it was Jesus. He had done what he came to the earth to do: he had defeated sin and death. He had risen! Jesus told Mary to go and tell the others the good news. She ran as fast as she could to tell their friends Jesus was—and is— alive!
Sometimes in life, we may feel like Mary. We may feel alone and hopeless. Jesus may seem far away. But while we are still crying, he stands beside us. And if we are listening to his voice, he says our name. Suddenly, our eyes recognize that Jesus was with us all along, and he will always be with us. Jesus transforms our hopelessness into hopefulness; our tears into joy. When we know that our Savior lives, we live in the freedom his resurrection gives us. And like Mary, we run as fast as we can to share the good news that he has risen indeed.
Prayer
Dear God, thank you that Jesus is alive. Thank you that when we accept Jesus as our Savior, we have a new life with him. Please help us to live each day in the joy of Jesus’ resurrection and to share the good news of the gospel so more people may know that Jesus has risen. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.Related Resources
Areo Keller-Donahue
As soon as Areo could pick up a popsicle stick, she was making puppets and putting on plays that shared her faith with her neighbors. Areo grew up with a strong interest in musical theatre and earned her BFA at the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music. Areo was led to use artistic gifts to share the gospel with young ones, and she became involved in ministry. She has worked in children's ministry at Redeemer Upper West Side and North Way Christian Community and is currently developing a musical live-action series that celebrates faith and fun. Areo and her husband live in Pittsburgh, where they enjoy spending time with their families and adorable cat, Daisy.