In this episode, we explore one of the most intimate and transformative moments following Jesus’ resurrection — His encounter with Mary Magdalene outside the empty tomb (John 20:1–18). Through Mary’s grief, confusion, and ultimate recognition of the risen Christ, we witness the depth of divine compassion and the personal nature of resurrection hope. This story invites listeners to see how Jesus meets us in our sorrow, calls us by name, and restores our purpose.

Listeners will be guided to reflect on how resurrection is not only a historical event but a present reality — one that reshapes how we see ourselves, others, and God’s ongoing work of renewal in the world.

Resources in Today’s Episode:

Scripture Verses (Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture references are from the New International Version [NIV]): John 20:1-18 (ESV). 1 Corinthians 15:5-8. Luke 8:1-3, Mark 16:9. Matthew 14:26-27.

Other Resources:
As One Being Taught – Encourage. Challenge. Replenish. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://asonebeingtaught.wordpress.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Carla Harding’s devotional, “Clinging to the Past.”

Levi Lusko’s devotional, “Easter People: A 4-Day Easter Devotional.”

Reflection Questions:

1. When you think of the emotions Mary Magdalene was experiencing before Jesus revealed Himself to her, which do you identify with at this time in your life?
2. Jesus knew Mary Magdalene by name, and He knows you by name. What does this mean to you?
3. Jesus did not chastise Mary Magdalene for not recognizing Him. What does this reveal to you about His character?

This episode is a revised version of an episode published in 2025.

"Resurrection Encounters: Mary Magdalene.” ⁠⁠ Written Spoken Podcast, created by Esther Wright, Season 20, Episode 3, 2026. Copilot. "Episode Description." Microsoft, 2024.

In this episode, we reflect on what Christ Jesus accomplished through His death and resurrection—and what it truly means to live out the Resurrection in our everyday lives. Drawing from Scripture, insights by Matt Perman, and practical examples, we explore how ordinary moments become sacred when surrendered to God. This episode invites you to place your daily life—your routines, responsibilities, and relationships—before God as an offering, and to walk in the transforming power of the risen Christ.

RESOURCES IN TODAY’S EPISODE

Scripture References: Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, New King James Version: Hebrews 10:4 (AMP). John 1:29. Isaiah 53:6. Hebrews 9:26b. Hebrews 2:17. 1 John 4:10. Romans 5:10-11. Galatians 3:13-14. Romans 3:24. 1 Peter 1:18-19. Colossians 2:15. Romans 4:25 (AMP). Romans 5:8. Galatians 2:20. Isaiah 53:5-6. 1 Corinthians 15:14-20. Galatians 2:20 (AMP). John 14:15-18 (AMP). Romans 12:1–2 (MSG). James 5:17 (AMP). 2 Corinthians 5:14-15 (AMP).

Other Resources: Matt Perman’s article, “6 Things Christ Accomplished by His Death.”

William R. Newell, “At Calvary” (1895). Public Domain.

Brother Lawrence, The Practice of the Presence of God.

As One Being Taught – Encourage. Challenge. Replenish. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://asonebeingtaught.wordpress.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Reflection Questions:

1. When you think about the Resurrection of Christ Jesus, which aspect of His work — expiation, propitiation, reconciliation, redemption, or victory over darkness — feels most personal to you right now? Why?
2. Galatians 2:20 says Christ lives in you. What would change in your daily life if you truly lived from that reality instead of striving in your own strength?
3. Where do you sense the Holy Spirit inviting you to “place your everyday, ordinary life before God as an offering”?
4. Brother Lawrence practiced the presence of God in simple tasks. What ordinary moments in your day could become opportunities for communion with God?
5. What cultural patterns or habits tend to pull your attention away from God, and how might you “fix your attention on Him” more intentionally?
6. In what area of your life do you need to trust the resurrection power of God — the same power that raised Jesus from the dead — to strengthen, guide, or transform you?
7. How does remembering that Elijah “was a man with a nature like ours” encourage you in your own walk of faith?
8. What is one practical step you can take this week to “no longer live for yourself, but for Him who died and was raised”?

In this episode, we focus on Holy Week, a sacred stretch of days that, in 2026, begins on Palm Sunday, March 29, and concludes on Easter Sunday, April 5. We explore a revised version of the blog post, “Every Step,” tracing the intentional, redemptive path Jesus walked from His birth to the Cross to willingly pay the incomprehensible cost to redeem us.

RESOURCES IN TODAY’S EPISODE

Scripture References:

Luke 19: 8-42. Zechariah 9:9-10. Matthew 1:17 (NIV). Galatians 4:4-5 (AMP). Luke 2:41-47. Matthew 3:13-17. Matthew 4:1-22. John 2:1-11. Matthew 4:23. Matthew 5:1-7:29. Matthew 8:5-15, 28-34. Luke 8:41-56. John 4:1-42. John 11:1-44. Matthew 21:12-13. Mark 14:32-41. Luke 22:39-46. John 18:1-14, 28-40. Mark 15:16-20. Isaiah 52:14. Mark 15:21. Matthew 27:46. Luke 23:32-46. Matthew 27:57-61. Romans 5:8.

Other Resources:

As One Being Taught – Encourage. Challenge. Replenish. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://asonebeingtaught.wordpress.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

“If That Isn’t Love,” by Dottie Rambo.

Reflection Questions:

Use these prompts to guide your Holy Week meditation:

1. What part of the Palm Sunday narrative stands out to you this year?

2. Which “step” in Jesus’ earthly journey speaks most deeply to your heart right now?

3. How might you slow down this week to honor Christ’s sacrifice?

4. What is God inviting you to repent of, release, or receive during Holy Week?

5. What step is God inviting you to take this Holy Week—repentance, gratitude, forgiveness, worship, slowing down?

6. How can you create space this week to reflect more deeply on Jesus’ sacrifice?