The Best Surprise

By Denise Trio

”After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb. There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men. The angel said to the women, ‘Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples: “He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.” Now I have told you.’”—Matthew 28:1–7 (NIV)

I love surprises! If I'm going somewhere, expecting something great and then surprised by something better, my day is made! I'll be talking about it to anyone who would listen! What a memorable experience. I know not everybody likes surprises, but in this passage, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary just encountered the best surprise of their lives. Let's explore the significance of this moment.

Mary Magdalene and the other Mary were headed to the tomb after the day of rest—the silent and sorrowful Sabbath because their Savior had died. Imagine their pain. This man, Jesus, who they walked with for years, listened to and learned from, and placed their faith, hope, and trust in, was gone. If you’ve ever experienced the death of a loved one, you can empathize with the pain they felt. Their grief must have been overwhelming and yet, they were dutifully attending to Him early that morning, bringing spices to embalm His cold body in the tomb. Little did they know they were in for a surprise!

When they arrived, there was a violent earthquake and an angel appeared and rolled away the stone. The Roman guards were so terrified it looked like they had died. The angel spoke confidently to the women telling them not to be afraid as Jesus had risen “just as he said.”

Just as He said! I think that's the key thing. Throughout His ministry, and especially leading up to His crucifixion, Jesus had spoken many times about His death and resurrection. I imagine that if I were a disciple I wouldn't understand what this meant at the time, but at this moment, I wonder if Mary Magdalene and the other Mary put it all together. “Wait, He told us this! He is risen, just as He said.”

And just like that, grief was transformed into joy. I lost my beloved grandmother almost two years ago, and if she came back if only for a moment for me to hug her, kiss her cheek, and smell the perfume on her skin again, I would be overcome with joy. What a pleasant surprise for these women to hear that Jesus was alive!

Then they were charged to go and tell all of the other disciples. I love that the first messengers of the resurrection of Christ were women. These women, who were outcasts, undervalued, and not respected in society, heralded the good news for the very first time. They were the first evangelists and preachers of the gospel. “He has risen, just as He said!” they may have shouted. For millennia this message of the gospel that started with these women has spread to millions of people all over the world.

The resurrection is significant. Without the resurrection, the Christian faith stands on no ground. Jesus, the Son of God, suffered brutally, died an innocent man, and was buried in darkness, but when He rose again, He demonstrated His victory over death and sin forever. For everyone who puts their faith, hope, and trust in Him, just like Mary Magdalene and the other Mary, His victory becomes our victory. That’s a wonderful surprise—and that’s worth shouting!

Pause: Is there someone you can share the message of the gospel with today? Pray and ask the Lord to show you who that could be.

Practice: We can take Jesus at His Word. He will do as He said. Remember what He has said in His Word when you’re feeling discouraged, doubtful, overwhelmed by grief, tired of waiting, or even in moments of joy,

Pray: Jesus, thank You for the victory and miracle of Your resurrection. What a wonderful gift! When I doubt You, please remind me of the truth in Your Word. If You can perform the miracle of rising from the dead, You can do miracles in my life. I trust You. I love You. In Jesus name, I pray. Amen.