The post resurrection appearances began at the empty tomb. This fact occurs in each of the 4 gospels and 3 of the gospels include the appearance of a heavenly being interacting with the grieving followers of Jesus. Since Jesus had been hastily buried due to the need to have him buried before sundown, as it was the beginning of the Sabbath and no one could be buried on the Sabbath, His body was not properly prepared with spices. It was wrapped but not fully treated. The women, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome went to the tomb with spices intending to anoint Jesus’ body. The gospel accounts say it was very early in the morning as they walked and talked on the way to the garden tomb. They were concerned about how they were going to get the stone in front of the tomb removed so they could enter to anoint Jesus’ body. When they arrived this was the scene:
“And looking up, they saw that the stone had been rolled back—it was very large. 5 And entering the tomb, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, dressed in a white robe, and they were alarmed. 6 And he said to them, “Do not be alarmed. You seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has risen; he is not here. See the place where they laid him. 7 But go, tell his disciples and Peter that he is going before you to Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you.” 8 And they went out and fled from the tomb, for trembling and astonishment had seized them, and they said nothing to anyone, for they were afraid.” Mark 16:4-8
The angel, who appeared to be a young man, told them not to be afraid as he had good news about Jesus. He encouraged them to look and see that Jesus was not there. He also told them to go and tell the others Jesus had risen and they would see Him again. The women rushed off to tell the disciples. John describes their reactions in John 20:3-8. “So Peter went out with the other disciple, and they were going toward the tomb. 4 Both of them were running together, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. 5 And stooping to look in, he saw the linen cloths lying there, but he did not go in. 6 Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb. He saw the linen cloths lying there, 7 and the face cloth, which had been on Jesus’ head, not lying with the linen cloths but folded up in a place by itself. 8 Then the other disciple, who had reached the tomb first, also went in, and he saw and believed;”
Can you even imagine their joy, surprise, awe, fear or confusion over experiencing the empty tomb, the angel, the clothes that had been wrapped around Jesus’ body that lay neatly folded? The disciples saw and believed. How about you? Do you see the things God does in your life, the unusual happenings, the providential circumstances that can only be explained as God’s hand? Do these things register with you that God loves and cares for you? God has a plan for your life just as He did for these disciples. He wanted them to encounter the living God, the resurrected Jesus, and experience His transforming power in their lives.
May you encounter the Living Jesus and His transforming power today.
Linda
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During our entire Lenten journey, we have pondered the meaning of Christ’s death on the cross. Now we need to come to the realization that without the resurrection His death would have been meaningless, and we would be still lost in sin! In 1 Corinthians 15:12-19 “
protected. But what kind of foot wear is Paul suggesting, spiritual footwear that only comes through the gospel’s good news = peace. “For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared.” Ephesians 6:15
“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” 
Holy Week begins with Palm Sunday, the day of Jesus’ return to Jerusalem. His reception was loud and colorful with waving palms, cloaks on the ground, shouting, chanting of praises and Jesus riding on a humble donkey. It was the conclusion of three years of public ministry that ended in His death on the cross on Friday. However, all was not lost as He miraculously rose from the dead and appeared on Easter morning just as He said He would. His ‘life’s ride’ on earth was a wild one filled with compassion, love, obedience and sacrifice for us. As we enter this Holy Week let us ponder anew how we personally have felt His compassion and love in our lives. How we have benefited from His obedience to the cross and the sacrifice of His life for ours. We have much to be thankful for, even in the hardest of times. Only you can answer today’s sentence, 
Have a Blessed Palm Sunday.
Because Christ died on the cross and rose from the dead,
of our love for Christ. 5:32-33 “
Have a blessed day as you consider how you are submitting or yielding your rights to others in Christ like love.
In Ephesians 4:17-24 Paul describes to the Ephesians 
righteousness and holiness.” 
Be that transformed believer today! Reach out to others in love. Call, text, email, have a Zoom gathering, Face Time or use Google Chat or Duo with someone in these troubled days showing them you care about them and stand with them in the name of Christ.
Ephesians 2:14 “For Christ himself has brought peace to us. He united Jews and Gentiles into one people when, in his own body on the cross, 
the gospel- the saving power of Jesus and His death and resurrection, the indwelling of the Holy Spirit and His transforming power there should be no division. As Paul says we are united and can approach God or have access to God through His Holy Spirit because of what Christ has done for us. 
Let the heart of the gospel guide you as you connect with other Christians and unbelievers, so that the truth of His Spirit will shine through your life. 
Fearless Living 