But if Mary knows not it is Jesus, He knows her, and calls her by her name in accents that throb with infinite love. He commands the morning for her, and turns the shadow of death into joy. The darkness flies away from her soul, and the dirge gives place to the triumph song within her heart, as she sees Him, recognizes Him, and responds to His voice to her in that one word, “Rabboni!” Here is a glorious deliverance from the bondage of a hopeless sorrow. The Lord is risen indeed! He calls her by her name, and His presence and His voice change her outlook at once and forever.

In this there is everlasting consolation and good hope for all who weep. Death has met his conqueror: his stronghold has been stormed and taken, and the dark king of terrors dethroned. Christ is risen; He is victor.

In no other way could the gates of death be opened for us than by His resurrection from the dead. He has opened them, and holds the keys of them, as He who lives forevermore (Rev. 1:18). He is Master of death and the grave. Who? The risen Lord who loves you, and who tenderly lays upon you the hand of His power and calls you by your name. He who tasted death for you in its unspeakable bitterness because He loved you, and who now would sweeten the cup that you drink with His deepest sympathy and undying love. He has flooded the darkness of death with the light of hope, and you may look forward with confidence to the day when “shall be brought to pass the saying that is written: ‘Death is swallowed up in victory.’ ‘O Death, where is your sting? O Hades, where is your victory?’” The tenderness of His grace is as great as the triumph of His might; as it was for Mary in that distant day, so it is for us in this.