So they departed quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy. … And behold, Jesus met them and said, “Greetings!”

Matthew 28:8a & 9a

The Easter morning encounter in today’s verse seems almost amusingly casual. The two women named Mary meet the just-risen Jesus. “Mary Magdalene and the other Mary” (Matthew 28:1) have just seen the empty tomb and heard an angel announce, “He has risen” (Matthew 28:5). Imagine their feelings when Jesus meets them with one cordial word, “Greetings!” With His presence and a simple word, Jesus fulfills their expectations, floods them with contentment, and brings hope to life. As He did with the two Marys, Jesus meets us every morning, just as we are, wherever we are. His risen presence greets us each day and, when we meet and receive Him in faith, He will exceed our expectations, bless us with contentment, and fill us with eternal hope. Easter greetings to all, any day, every day.

Marj Maynard
Pipe Creek, TX

Risen Jesus, I meet You this morning, like the two Marys, with great joy! Amen.

Reflect: Every morning, picture Jesus’s presence and His loving word, “Greetings!”

Read: Matthew 28:16-20 and Revelation 3:20-22