Easter Sunday

Matthew 28

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."

So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell His disciples. Suddenly Jesus met them. "Greetings," He said. They came to Him, clasped His feet and worshiped Him. Then Jesus said to them, "Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me."

While the women were on their way, some of the guards went into the city and reported to the chief priesdts everything that had happened. When the chief priests had met with elders and devised a plan, they gave the soldiers a large sum of money, telling them, "You are to say, "His disciples came during the night and stole Him away while we were asleep.' If this report gets to the governor, we will satisfy him and keep you out of trouble." So the soldiers took the money and did as they were instructed. And this story has been widely circulated among the Jews to this very day.

Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw Him, they worshipped Him; but some doubted. Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.



He is risen. He is risen indeed!

Mardi Gras

Today is called Mardi Gras or Fat Tuesday. With Ash Wednesday tomorrow, we begin the season of Lent.

Traditionally, Lent has been a time for Christians to prepare for Easter by remembering Jesus’ life, His suffering and His death. By giving up activities that distract from God’s gifts and by daily learning to look to God in all things, Lent helps us draw near to God, who loves us so much He came to live with us and die for us.

The scripture readings and devotional thoughts that will be posted here each day are intended to help us remember and prepare for Easter. They were written by members of Healdsburg Community Church.