As part of our brief Easter mini-series, we are turning to John's account of the resurrection. The women come to the tomb expecting to care for Jesus' corpse. But instead of a lifeless body, they find an empty tomb. Panic ensues. They report back. Peter and John run. The burial clothes remain... untouched. How? They go home with their minds racing. Outside, Mary Magdalene stands weeping. She looks inside. Two strangers ask: "Why are you crying? Whom do you seek?" She turns and sees the gardener. Maybe he knows where the body is. "Mary." Teacher! She clings. But he sends her... with the greatest news ever told. That is why we gather this Sunday (and every Sunday). Let's talk about the news that not even death can stop: "Why are you crying?" (John 20:1-18)
