Easter He is Risen | John 20:11-18

In this Easter Sunday meditation of our Lenten series, I AM: A Lenten Journey with Jesus, we slow down with John 20:11–18 and the first resurrection encounter: “I have seen the Lord.” Today we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ—the day death was defeated and hope was restored. John’s Gospel brings us into a tender and personal moment. Mary Magdalene stands outside the empty tomb weeping. The stone has been rolled away. The body is gone. The disciples have already left, confused and uncertain. Mary stays. She sees angels. She sees Jesus. But at first, she does not recognize Him. Then He speaks her name: “Mary.” And everything changes. In that single word, grief turns to recognition. Despair gives way to joy. The impossible becomes reality. In this guided Scripture meditation, you are invited to step into the garden with Mary. Through slow readings of John 20:11–18, you will be guided to reflect on the meaning of the resurrection, celebrate the hope we have in Christ, and consider how this life-changing truth invites you to move forward. The resurrection is not only an event to remember. It is a reality to live in. Because Jesus is risen:We are restored.We are made new.We are invited into abundant life. He is risen—and that changes everything. Download your FREE companion journal for I AM: A Lenten Journey with Jesus. This journal includes:• Each week’s Scripture passage• Reflection prompts from the meditations• Space to journal, pray, and notice what God is revealing Here are some additional helpful links: Download your FREE Lent Companion Journal Here I AM: A Lenten Journey with Jesus  This journal includes:• Each week’s Scripture passage• Reflection prompts from the meditations• Space to journal, pray, and notice what God is revealing Here are some additional helpful links: Learn more about Jodie:http://www.jodieniznik.com Follow on Instagram:@jodieniznik Follow on Facebook:@JodieGNiznik Join the Monday email newsletter for new meditations, HERE Explore other faith-centered podcasts from LifeAudio: https://www.lifeaudio.com   Today’s Scripture John 20:11-18 NLT 11 Mary was standing outside the tomb crying, and as she wept, she stooped and looked in.  12 She saw two white-robed angels, one sitting at the head and the other at the foot of the place where the body of Jesus had been lying.  13 “Dear woman, why are you crying?” the angels asked her. “Because they have taken away my Lord,” she replied, “and I don’t know where they have put him.” 14 She turned to leave and saw someone standing there. It was Jesus, but she didn’t recognize him.  15 “Dear woman, why are you crying?” Jesus asked her. “Who are you looking for?” She thought he was the gardener. “Sir,” she said, “if you have taken him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will go and get him.” 16 “Mary!” Jesus said. She turned to him and cried out, “Rabboni!” (which is Hebrew for “Teacher”). 17 “Don’t cling to me,” Jesus said, “for I haven’t yet ascended to the Father. But go find my brothers and tell them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’” 18 Mary Magdalene found the disciples and told them, “I have seen the Lord!” Then she gave them his message.   Today’s meditation music entitled Crowned, was generously provided by Simon Wester. If you enjoyed the music, make sure to listen to and follow him on Spotify. https://open.spotify.com/artist/2qUycRIHExBVUPIoq6RUkO?si=vQranvhdRW6NNoMNG7Q9dQ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.