He told the women: he is not here, he is Risen

The tomb is empty and the baskets are full!

The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid; I know that you are looking for Jesus who was crucified. He is not here; for he has been raised, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples, ‘He has been raised from the dead, and indeed he is going ahead of you to Galilee; there you will see him.’ This is my message for you.” So they left the tomb quickly with fear and great joy, and ran to tell his disciples. Suddenly Jesus met them and said, “Greetings!” And they came to him, took hold of 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.” Matthew 28:5-10

On this Easter Sunday, thankful most of all for Jesus. Remembering the sacrifice he made and also the way he lived his life on this Earth. Humble, just, and loving. And remembering that in His divine Providence he chose to appear to these two women first to announce his resurrection. If you are a women who has been told you cannot serve God or you are not enough, please remember the real Jesus. He has risen for you, he has a purpose for you, and he has called you to share this good news.

Flipping Tables

Where is Jesus? He’s flipping the tables in the temple.

I was tucking my then 3-year-old son into bed and he asked “Mommy where is Jesus?” Seems simple enough, but as a parent answering these questions for the first time I stumbled to answer such an important question. “Jesus is in heaven…and Jesus is in your heart, he is with us.” My son looked at me matter-of-factory and said, “No. Jesus is in the temple flipping over the tables.”

I recently taught on this passage at church with my 3rd-grade class and I loved their honesty and surprise. They responded, “No Jesus wouldn’t do that….Jesus was loving and kind and peaceful….Jesus didn’t sin.”
And yes all of those statements are 100% true and correct…AND Jesus flipped the tables in the temple. He cleansed the temple of what threatened to block people from drawing near to God. He welcomed the outcast, he included women in his work in a time when women had no place in society. He drew near to those who openly acknowledged their brokenness and need for him. He fought against the religious leaders who tried to put down those in need. And when necessary he flipped the tables to make that happen.
2000 years later, people are still imperfect, church is imperfect, but Jesus tears that all away to clear the path for you and for me. And to me those flipped tables are beautiful.