This Sunday we begin our new Eastertide series, looking at Jesus’s first resurrection appearance in John 20:1-18. We will be asking, what do you do when you cannot find Jesus in the place you expected Him to be? Life is full of unexpected and sometimes undesirable twists and turns, and those moments can leave us wondering where God is in it all. John 20 offers such a tender picture of this part of faith. 

Mary comes to the tomb in the darkness of early morning, but also in the emotional darkness of loss and uncertainty. As I have spent time in this passage, I have been deeply moved by Mary Magdalene’s undefended vulnerability and her courage to keep seeking nearness to Jesus in that place. She continues to show up in the midst of confusion, uncertainty, and grief in her relationship with Christ. Praise God that He meets our vulnerability with such deep love and knowing. May we begin to bring the vulnerable places in our lives to Him and receive that same love and care. Praise God that He is alive and still bringing hope and healing to us all.