In the Gospel of John in the Bible, we read about Mary Magdalene going to Jesus’ tomb after His burial. She saw that His body was not there. She fretted and feared and cried out, "They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we don’t know where they have put Him." The disciples, too, were devastated to learn that Jesus’ body was missing. Even though Jesus had told them repeatedly, “I will be crucified; I’ll be buried for three days; on the third day I’ll rise again” - they forgot. They still did not get it. It seemed impossible to them.

Sometimes even today we act surprised that Jesus rose from the dead. We get caught up in the day-to-day Christianese and try to earn the love of Christ. What we really should be doing is reveling in the tremendous reality that we have a Savior who is alive. He died for our sins, yes. And He rose again from the dead.

Today, let the so-called “surprise” of Christ’s resurrection overwhelm you once again. Remember the greatness of His power and love. You will relate better to those who have not yet begun to follow Him. Put yourself in their shoes and remind them of the truth: He is alive today, having conquered death for you and me.

This is Luis Palau.