Expect Even More
Scripture Reading — John 20:11-18
“I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.”
Just a couple of weeks ago, we celebrated the resurrection of Jesus (April 21, Easter Sunday). For Christians, Christ’s triumph over death and sin is the very best news. Jesus is risen! God’s promises of forgiveness and new life for his people have been fulfilled.
But the resurrection means more than an empty tomb. Mary saw that morning that the tomb was empty—and that was something she didn’t expect. It was a shock to find that Jesus’ body was gone, and she thought it had been taken somewhere else. Had it been stolen? Or had someone just moved it? She wondered.
Jesus’ response to Mary indicates that she found more at the empty tomb than she had even imagined. Through her tears, Mary saw Jesus—risen and alive again! But she didn’t realize it was him until he called her name. That’s how it is for us too. He calls us, and we follow him and honor him as the One who has ascended to the Father.
As important as the empty tomb is to the Christian faith, we do not simply linger at the tomb and wonder what has happened there. We listen to Jesus calling our name, inviting us into a new adventure that leads us to even more—to become witnesses for the risen and ascended Lord. You are invited to follow the risen Jesus. In what ways can you do that today?
Risen Lord, dry our tears of fear and uncertainty. Let us hear you calling our name. Open our eyes to see you as Lord. And lead us into full life with our heavenly Father. Amen.
About the author — Joel Vande Werken
Joel Vande Werken has been a pastor since 2007, serving churches in Sussex, New Jersey, and in Whitinsville, Massachusetts. He and his wife, Brandie, have five young children.
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