When Jesus was suffering on the cross, some women stood by His side: St. Mary (His mother)

& St. Mary Magdalene.After Jesus died, these women went home in

total darkness & sadness.

• Joseph, a rich man who loved Jesus, asked permission to take the Lord’s body for burial.• Joseph &

another good man Nicodemus lowered the Body, and wrapped Him in a shroud.

They placed Him in a new tomb. then rolled a

stone to close the tomb; it was a BIG stone that took 3 strong

men!

The Pharisees went to the Pilate: “This Jesus told His

disciples He can rise after 3 days, please make sure the tomb is well

sealed so His disciples won’t

steal His body & tell lies”.

Pilate told them: “You go, seal it and

guard it yourselves”.

Early Easter Sunday morning

Mary Magdalene & her friends went

to the tomb...

It was empty, Jesus

was not there!

An angel at the tomb told the women to not be afraid.

Jesus who was crucified is ALIVE, and go tell the

others!

• Mary ran quickly to tell the others

• Peter & John ran to the empty tomb, they saw the linen cloths that wrapped Jesus was folded up neatly.

• They went home sad & did not yet understand that Jesus had risen!

• Mary stood weeping• She saw 2 angels:

”Woman, why are you weeping?”

• “Because they have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid Him”

• Jesus standing there: “Woman why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?”

• “Sir, if you have carried Him away, tell me where and will take Him away”.

• Jesus called: “Mary!”

• “Rabboni!” (Teacher)

• “Do not cling to Me, for I have not yet ascended to My Father; but go to My brethren and say to them, ‘I am ascending to My Father and your Father, and to My God and your God’”.

• Mary went home with joy & told the disciples what the Lord told her!

He is not here; for He

is risenMatthew 28:6

What does EASTER mean?

• Easter celebrates the Lord’s Resurrection, His victory over sin & death

• The true meaning of Easter is not about chocolate eggs, bunnies or candies.

• We share in the victory of Christ, and the power to defeat sin & death!

Why did Mary Magdalene not

recognize Jesus?

• She was too busy in her sadness & despair• Our Lord had the new

beautiful, resurrected & glorified body, different than the body He had before His crucifixion

How did Jesus get Mary’s attention?

He called her name …

MARY!

Why did Jesus tell Mary not to

“hold on” to Him?

• He needed her to be strong in faith • He had a job for

her: to tell the other disciples of His Resurrection

What prevents us from recognizing Jesus voice?

• Worldly distractions – money, greed …• Pride or lack of humility• Lack of love• Other sins …

How does Jesus call our name today?

• He speaks through Abouna, mom & dad, teachers … when they remind us to:

Stop a bad habit Pray Read the Bible

This week …• Listen to the Lord’s

voice …• Be obedient to

Abouna, mom & dad• Don’t be busy in your

worries, sadness, despair … “look up” at the Lord with prayers & trust that He will solve your problems!