SURPRISE

How long can a minute be?  I wanted to walk out the door, but the Sabbath was not over.  I had not stayed at the tomb to weep.  The Sabbath would begin shortly and I had to go home and wait.   I have wept.  Tears that came from my very soul.  Now I wait.  Will it ever be dawn? 

Everyone saw me as a danger, except him.  It was not my fault that I was possessed.  Then I met Jesus and he cured me of seven demons.  Can you imagine having seven demons controlling you?  Others saw my actions.  Jesus saw my soul.  Jesus … Jesus changed my life.  I joined some other women.  We followed and supported Jesus and the disciples.  Now we would serve Jesus in one more way.  We would anoint his body with spices and perfumes.

The sun is coming up!  I can go now!!!!!

Turning to the other women, I asked, “How will we move the stone?  Maybe some of the disciples will be there.  I would think they would be there.”  One of the women shook her head, “They are hiding and we will have to keep watch.  The chief priests and the Pharisees convinced Pilate to put guards at the tomb.”

I look around at the other women.  Each has their own reasons for loving Jesus.  Each had been changed from how society saw them and how Jesus saw them.  —  How do I explain being a woman?  Young women are cared for by their parents and very few have control over their future.  As wives, we are chattel.  We are to serve our husbands.  As widows, we are fortunate if we have sons who can and will provide for our needs.  At each stage of women’s lives, they are told they are worthless.  They have no value.  And then Jesus …..

Jesus looked into my eyes and I saw … I saw love.  How could Jesus, the Son of God, love me?  I looked again.  I saw love.  I saw a love that would last an eternity.  I saw a love that said I was valuable.  I saw a love that said I had worth. 

As we approached the tomb, we became quiet.  Each woman was trying to stay strong.  Each woman was ----- In an instant, my heart skipped a beat.  THE STONE WAS ROLLED AWAY!  Slowly – each step taking me closer – I looked into the tomb …….

SCRIPTURES USED – As you read these scriptures, you will notice each has different women at the tomb.  I have used Mary Magdalene and tried to put myself in her place.  As you read these scriptures, really think about the women who went to the tomb.  What would they have felt?  What would they have been thinking?  Were they afraid?  Were they confused?  How much courage would it have taken to make that walk to the tomb?

Matthew 27:62-66 and 28:1-10 , Mark 16:1-8, Luke 8:2 and 24:1-12, and John 20:1-18

TO BE CONTINUED