Dear Friend of the Ministry:
Who was the first person to share the good news of the resurrection? Was it John, “the disciple whom Jesus loved”? Or what about Peter, the vocal disciple who would become the head of the church in Jerusalem? If you’re like me, you might have to guess for a while before stumbling onto the right answer. . . .
Before she met Jesus, Mary Magdalene lived in torment. Seven demons possessed her mind. Her life was not her own. But one day, Jesus stared deeply into her eyes and uttered a single command: “Come out!” From that moment, she followed Him faithfully. She watched His miracles, learned from His teachings, and loved Him as her Savior.
When Jesus was nailed to that brutal cross, she stood close by; weeping for the pain He suffered. Then three days later, she went to His tomb, carrying precious spices and perfumes to anoint His body. Two dazzling white figures met her there. A woman once possessed by demons stood in the presence of angels. They smiled and said, “He is not here, for He has risen.”
Eyes filled with tears, she turned to leave. But the resurrected Christ stopped her in her tracks, first offering words of comfort and then revealing His identity. He told her to go and share the news with the disciples, commissioning Mary Magdalene as the first to proclaim the resurrection.
The person Jesus chose for this incredible privilege may be surprising at first glance. In first-century Jewish culture, women were not allowed to be witnesses in a court of law. Maybe that’s why the disciples didn’t believe her words and ran to see the empty tomb for themselves. But on a deeper level, Jesus’s decision to choose Mary for this honor reveals His immeasurable grace.
The woman who was once utterly hopeless and tormented—worthless in the eyes of the world—received a transfusion of ultimate hope from the Savior . . . hope that transformed her life forever . . . hope that she carried to others with great joy!
The Easter message and hope are synonymous. This special day never arrives without its refreshing reminder that there is hope beyond this life. True hope. Eternal hope. Glorious hope. Each one of us needs a transfusion of hope that reaches deep inside to the very core of our being, replacing the hopelessness that plagues our souls and transforming our hearts forever.
In order to help you experience the hope and transformation of Easter, Insight for Living created a new devotional, Sunday to Sunday: A Pictorial Journey Through the Passion Week. This beautiful coffee-table book is filled with historical details, pictures of the Holy Land, and biblical insights into the greatest act of grace and mercy history has ever known. Within its pages, you will spend the eight days through Easter Sunday following the Lord Jesus, whose love for us led ultimately to a cross and then to His glorious resurrection from the grave.
As a ministry, we consistently seek to communicate the transfusion of hope offered only through Jesus Christ. We want to engage with those who so desperately need to know His grace, mercy, and love. Won’t you join with us—supporting us financially and prayerfully—as we continue to proclaim the hope of the resurrection to all who live in hopelessness?
Speaking of hopelessness, the people of Haiti endured devastating earthquakes not long ago. Countless followers of Christ lifted them up in prayer and sent donations to help the hurting find hope and healing. Just like yours, our church took up special offerings to assist in bringing relief. But because most of us only have a limited amount to give to those in need, those special offerings for Haiti brought about a serious decrease in donations to Insight for Living, not unlike what we experienced when the tsunami brought such devastation several years ago.
God is always faithful, consistently using people like you to support us financially and prayerfully. If you are able to be unusually generous this month, we would be especially grateful.
As my way of saying thank you for your support this month, I want you to experience Sunday to Sunday: A Pictorial Journey Through the Passion Week. But in order for us to get this unique devotional to you in time for Easter, we need to hear from you as soon as possible. So along with your generous donation, please send in your request right away.
All of us at Insight for Living extend our heartfelt thanks for your help as we proclaim the good news of the resurrection.
Charles R. Swindoll
