Listen to today’s devo!

Mary Magdalene went to the disciples with the news: “I have seen the Lord!” And she told them that he had said these things to her. (John 20:18)

Expanded Passage: John 20:17-18

I am potentially one of the worst people when it comes to keeping surprises. If I buy someone a gift or want to do something for them, I almost always spoil it. When I was planning on proposing to my wife, I told her when I had bought the ring; I almost showed it to her early on a few occasions. I think the only reason I didn’t was because on the day I finally had it, I brought it to work, and I showed every single person I could. The news was too exciting. I had to tell someone.

The news Mary carried to the disciples was the single most exciting piece of news that has ever been and ever will be uttered: The Lord Jesus is risen, and he is going to ascend to his Father! She may have wanted to just stay with Jesus for longer, but when he told her to go, she understood. This was news that was much too exciting to keep to herself.

We continue to carry this good news today. And it is way too exciting to be kept to ourselves. Now is the time to boldly proclaim the truth. Now is the time to start a conversation with someone about Jesus. Now is the time to pray with someone. Make today the day; Jesus is with you as you do.

Start a conversation with someone about Jesus and pray with them.

Ethan Zent is the pastor of worship at Follow Church in Upstate South Carolina, where he lives a beautiful life with his beautiful wife.

© 2025 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission. Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.