NOVEMBER 20 – Reading 324

by Albert Rosado | November 20

“JESUS’ WELCOME”
(Mathew 28:9-20; Luke 24:13-53; John 20:19-21:25; [Mark 16:9-20])

“Suddenly Jesus met them and said, ‘Greetings.’ They came to him, clasped his feet and worshiped him.” – Matthew 28:9

Imagine the two Marys. They had gone to the tomb, seen the angel, and heard the amazing news: “He has risen!” They were running away, filled with fear and great joy. It was a crazy, confusing, wonderful moment.

Then, Jesus Himself suddenly stood in front of them and spoke one word: “Greetings.”

What does “Greetings” mean? It means “the action of giving a sign of welcome or recognition.” It’s a simple word that means, “Hello! I know you. I am happy to see you. Come closer.”

Think about that moment: The Creator of the world, the King who just beat death, the Son of God. He didn’t start with a big, powerful speech. He didn’t ask them where they’d been. He just gave them a simple, loving welcome.

The Greatest Welcome

This simple word, “Greetings,” shows us the most important reason for Jesus’s death and resurrection. Jesus did not die just to fix a problem. He died to welcome us into a forever life with Him!

• He died so that our sins would no longer keep us locked outside of God’s family.
• He rose to prove that the way is now open for us to be with Him forever.

His death was the key that unlocked the door to eternity. His resurrection was His way of standing at the open door, saying, “Welcome! Come in!”

Because of the cross and the empty tomb, you are not a stranger to God. You are a loved child. When you turn to Jesus, He is not waiting with anger or judgment. He is standing there with open arms, giving you a warm, gentle welcome that lasts forever.

Simple Truth:
Jesus died and rose again so He could give us a forever welcome into God’s family and a home in heaven.

Reflections:

• When you think about Jesus, do you usually picture Him judging you or warmly welcoming you? Why?

   

• How does knowing that Jesus’s purpose was to welcome you change how you feel about going to Him in prayer?

Application:

• Accept Jesus’s greeting today. Know that He recognizes you and is happy to see you.

   

• Go to Him with your problems, knowing that you are fully welcome, not just sometimes, but always.

   

• Thank Jesus for paying the price so that you could receive the greatest, most loving welcome into heaven.

Closing Prayer:
Lord Jesus, thank You for meeting me where I am and giving me a simple, loving welcome. I praise You because You died and rose so that I could be loved and welcomed into a life with You forever. Help me to never forget that I am not a stranger, but a loved part of Your family. Amen.