John 20:1-18

Thoughts:       Years ago, sunrise services were not at the civilized hour of 8am.  They were literally scheduled for sunrise – like 5:48am, and they were held on an outcropping rock, high above a river.
 
Huddled together in the chilly dark, we watched as the sky in the east lightened, and ribbons of gold and rose barred the rising sun.  We listened to the story of Mary Magdalene, hurrying to Jesus’ sepulcher while it was yet dark.
 
Mary’s lonely walk in the dark, her loving concern, her tears, her fervent desire to care for Jesus’ lacerated body were all rewarded when the risen Savior appeared to her and spoke her name.  “Mary.”  In those cold, early sunrise services, we could feel Jesus’ presence.  We could hear our own names.
 
Discussion:      If Peter and John had lingered by Jesus’ sepulcher, would he have appeared to them?
 
Activity:          When you are introduced to someone, remember to repeat his/her name in your
first reply.