Mary Magdalene and the other Mary were looking for Jesus but only found an angel that wanted them to, “come and see the place where the Lord lay.” Then he said, “go quickly and tell the disciples He has risen from the dead.” On their way to tell the disciples the wonderful news Jesus showed himself to the women. “Go and tell my brethren to go into Galilee and there they shall see me.” Peter and John were not in an Easter parade that morning as they made their way to the tomb where they had placed Jesus just days before. No one was showing off their beautiful Easter dress, not one Easter bunny or Easter egg could be found. In fact it was a race and Peter was lagging behind when the two arrived at the tomb. Convinced, seeing the empty tomb they headed to Galilee with the other disciples as they had been told by the women. Easter morning is not just about a beautiful sunrise it is all about a risen Lord the Son of God.
The foundation for missions was first laid at the empty tomb as we hear the angel say, “come and see and go and tell.” Jesus was saying the same thing when He invited the disciples to go to Galilee where they would see Him alive and well. Matthew 28:18 and 19 has moved me to really take a good look at the call to missions. ” All power is given to Me in heaven and earth, go therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Teaching them to observe all things I have commanded you and lo, I am with you always even to the end of the world”. Amen! Today many say, “I would go if He would call.” I think a trip to Galilee would be a good starting point to hear the call of God in our lives. As a church we need to keep our eyes on the empty tomb and a good look at the risen Lord. The Easter parade, Easter bunny and Easter eggs really have no place in the Easter story as seen in the Word of God. This Easter let us come and see and go and tell starting with the man next door and to the end of the world. Jack