When the Sabbath was over, the women bought spices, so they could anoint Jesus’s body. And very early on the first day of the week, when the sun had risen, they went to the tomb.
They said to one another, “The stone in front of the tomb is very large. Who will move it from the entrance for us?”
But when they approached the tomb, they saw that the stone had already been rolled away.
As they entered, they saw an angel dressed in white, and were frightened.
But the angel said, “Do not fear; you are looking for Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He is not here. He has been raised.”
From Mark 16
Notes for Contemplation as You Use this Devotional:
- This passage from the Gospel Writer called Mark begins the story of Jesus’s resurrection. It is often shared during Easter as a reminder that sometimes we have false expectations about what we can do personally and what we can do spiritually.
- The women worry (project fear onto a situation in advance) that they won’t be able to move the stone that blocks the entrance to Jesus’s tomb. But the stone is already moved when they get there. They can enter the tomb unimpeded. Like when you surrender to what is, you can be raised beyond it, because you can’t solve a problem at the level it’s occurring. You must rise. And you can’t do that from your humanness. You must let your Christ self, your highest spiritual nature—the same nature that was in Jesus—raise you beyond what has been.
- Resurrection is a form of revival, God’s gift of grace, always available to you.It’s an energy, an intention you set when you’re willing to see beyond outer appearances and relinquish false beliefs.
- In mysticism and metaphysics, being resurrected is rising emotionally, mentally, and/or physically beyond challenges. Whatever might have happened to you previously, you realize your own personal resurrection when you, for example: heal from illness; pay off debt; leave an unhealthy relationship; teach your children to make their own choices; find fulfilling, profitable work; retire from a long-time career; downsize your home.
- Demonstration is your evidence of wellbeing in all aspects of your life. While you may not like being “crucified,” you demonstrate a courageous, trusting spirit when you choose to surrender and die spiritually to what no longer serves you. So, while society might say something like, “Oh, how sad you had to be home sick for months,” you’re celebrating because you recognize and appreciate the strength within your precious body. You realize how much you deserve to nurture yourself. See it one way, it’s a curse of illness. See it another, it’s a gift of your own self-worth and inherent wholeness.
Contemplation Questions:
As you reflect on your life and circumstances, ask yourself:
- What in my life can be resurrected?
- List, word map, or illustrate whatever applies.
- In what ways have I worried that I could not move the stone to free myself?
- List, word map, or illustrate the ways.
- In what ways do I see that the stone already has been moved for me?
- List, word map, or illustrate as many ways as you can.
- What are at least three (3) ways I’m recognizing the grace of new life within me and around me?
- List, word map, or illustrate as much as you can.
The wonder of Easter is realizing that you can overcome challenges without forcing and struggling. As you use this devotional, remind yourself that your faith and imagination help you see beyond outer appearances. Know that you can resurrect yourself anytime you turn away from fear and allow the stone—your perceived barrier—to be moved. Turn within, and see yourself rising beyond circumstances to behold the glory of new life.
© 2024 – Rev. Jennifer L. Sacks – All rights reserved.
Photo from Shutterstock by katiethomas.
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