Listen to today’s devo!

Suddenly Jesus met them. “Greetings,” he said. They came to him, clasped his feet and worshiped him. (Matt. 28:9)

Expanded Passage: Matthew 27:57—28:15

In my home church when I was growing up, early morning sunrise services meant trudging up the mountainside above our small mining town. We walked along a forest path with the predawn fog creating a mystic haze on nature’s awaiting worship clearing. A young boy played a trumpet solo into that crisp air, and we shouted, “He is risen!” into the valley below. A sermon, a song, rubbing our eyes, we went back down to the church to join our fellow revelers who were unable to awaken so early.

I suppose our experience wasn’t that much different than those coming to the Easter service at Jesus’ tomb. Most had their own idea of what was going to happen. No one was there to see the resurrection action. Only the onlookers and angels were left to report. But when the benediction was given and all were sent home, Jesus greeted them along the way. I suppose that’s where true worship happens—after we are on our way.

When Jesus greeted them, they “clasped his feet and worshiped him.” Perhaps it is always our tendency to want to hold on to the resurrected Lord and not allow him to continue his mission to its completion. The Easter message is that love always overcomes death. Easter is not stuck in one place or time; it goes on as we move on.

Keep your eyes open to see Jesus greeting you along the way.

Rich Eckley is professor emeritus of theology at Houghton University (NY). He is an ordained Wesleyan minister and enjoys—with his wife, Lynn—entertaining four active grandchildren.

© 2026 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission. Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.