A Note

From Pastor Mark

Love Outpoured: The Risen Christ Draws Near

Matthew 28

Our Lenten theme, “Love Outpoured” is certainly part of Matthew’s Easter story.

As the day begins, the world still feels heavy with grief. Mary Magdalene and the other Mary go to the tomb early in the morning. Their hearts are still weighed down by the events of Good Friday. Jesus, the one they loved and followed, has been crucified. His body has been sealed in a tomb. The story seems finished.

But God is not finished.

Matthew tells us that suddenly there is a great earthquake. An angel descends from heaven, rolls away the stone, and sits upon it. The guards tremble with fear. The angel speaks to the women: “Do not be afraid…He is not here; for he has been raised, as he said.”

With those words, the impossible becomes reality. Death has been defeated. The grave has lost its power. The love of God—love outpoured on the cross—now bursts forth in resurrection life.

But notice something else in this story: God’s love is not distant. It is near.

The women do not encounter resurrection from a distance. They experience it up close. The angel speaks directly to them. The empty tomb stands before them. And then, as they run to tell the others, Matthew says something remarkable: “Suddenly Jesus met them.”

The risen Christ draws near.

This is one of the most beautiful dimensions of Easter. God’s love is not simply declared from heaven—it comes close. Jesus does not remain hidden or far away. He meets them on the road. He speaks to them. They take hold of his feet and worship him.

Love outpoured is proximate.

Throughout the resurrection story, Jesus keeps drawing close to people. He meets the women on the road. Later, he gathers his disciples on a mountain in Galilee. Matthew tells us that when they see him, they worship—but some doubt. Even in that moment of uncertainty, Jesus does not withdraw.

Instead, Jesus comes nearer.

“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me,” he says. And then he gives them a mission that will shape the future of the church:

“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations…teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

That promise reveals the heart of Easter. The risen Christ does not simply send his followers into the world; he remains close to them. His presence accompanies them (and us) wherever they (we) go.

Easter reminds us that God’s love is stronger than death, deeper than despair, and closer than we often imagine.

Because of Easter, the risen Christ still meets people on the road.

Because of Easter, we are never alone.

And because of Easter, love continues to be poured out—through Christ who draws near, and through us as we carry that love into the world.

Pastor Mark

Contact Pastor Mark at: pastormark@sotpmail.com