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?

In this final episode of our 5‑part series on the sweeping biblical theme of light vs. darkness, we explore one of the most hopeful declarations in the New Testament: “The darkness is passing and the true light is already shining” (1 John 2:8). When the world feels heavy, confusing, or shadowed by fear, Scripture reminds us that darkness is not winning—because Jesus has already secured the victory. We unpack what it means that darkness is passing, how believers can walk in the light, and why love, obedience, and honesty are essential markers of a life shaped by Christ. My prayer is that this episode will offer practical encouragement for anyone feeling overwhelmed by the state of the world or the weight of their own circumstances.

RESOURCES IN TODAY’S EPISODE

Scripture References:1 John 2:8-9. John 1:5. John 8:12. Ephesians 5:8.

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

Reflection Questions:

Use these for personal meditation, journaling, or small‑group discussion.

• Where do you most feel the weight of darkness in your life right now?

• In what ways have you seen the “true light already shining” in recent days?

• Which marker of walking in the light—love, obedience, or honesty—feels most challenging for you at this moment?

• How might Christ be inviting you to let His light shine through you in a specific relationship or situation?

• What would it look like this week to take one small step toward walking more fully in the light?

Jesus does not just shine His light to us — He shines it through us. In this episode, we explore what it means for devoted followers of Jesus to be “the light of the world, a city on a hill that cannot be hidden." We talk about identity, influence, and the everyday ways devoted followers of Jesus reflect God’s character in a dark world. From acts of kindness to lives of integrity, we discover how ordinary faithfulness becomes extraordinary light. This episode will encourage you to embrace your calling and shine where God has placed you.

RESOURCES IN TODAY’S EPISODE

Scripture References: John 1:5. Ephesians 5:8. Hebrews 12:1. Colossians 1:27. 1 John 2:8. Genesis 17:1. Exodus 4-15. Matthew 4:18-22. Mark 1:16-20. Luke 5:1-11. Acts 1:4. Acts 2. Isaiah 60:1. Matthew 5:13-16 (NIV, NKJV). Ephesians 2:10. Philippians 2:15. 1 John 2:8. John 8:12.

Reflection Questions:

Use these for personal meditation, journaling, or small‑group discussion.

1. Identity Before Activity

Where in your life do you still feel pressure to earn or prove your worth, rather than resting in the identity Jesus has already given you?

2. A City on a Hill

What are the “hills” — the places God has positioned you — where your light is meant to be seen?

3. Good Works That Shine

Which good works in your life naturally point others to God? Where might God be inviting you to step into new acts of love or service?

4. Light in a Crooked Generation

Which of your everyday qualities — kindness, honesty, patience, compassion — shines most clearly in dark places? Which one is God inviting you to grow in?

5. Practical Ways to Shine

What is one simple, consistent practice you can begin this week that will help you shine the light of Christ more faithfully?

6. Lenten Reflection

What is God asking you to lay down, surrender, or repent of so that His light can shine more brightly through you?

All of Scripture points to one breathtaking truth: the true Light has come. In this episode, we focus on Jesus Christ — the Light of the World — who exposes darkness, reveals truth, heals brokenness, and brings spiritual sight. We explore the opening of John’s Gospel, the unstoppable nature of Christ’s light, and the hope His presence brings into every shadowed corner of our lives. If you need a fresh reminder of who Jesus is and what He came to do, I pray that this episode will lift your eyes and strengthen your faith.

RESOURCES IN TODAY’S EPISODE

Scripture References: John 1:1-9 (ESV). Psalm 27:1. Isaiah 60:19. 1 Timothy 2:4. Isaiah 49:6. John 1:14. Micah 5:2. Isaiah 7:14. John 1:5.

Other Resources: Biblehub.com, John 1:9.

Reflection Questions:

1. What aspect of Jesus being the “Light of the World” stands out to you the most?

2. Where do you sense Jesus exposing something in your heart — not to shame you, but to heal you?

3. How have you experienced the truth that “the darkness cannot overcome the light”?

4. In what ways has Jesus brought spiritual clarity or sight to your life?

5. What part of your life needs the healing, revealing light of Christ right now?

God doesn’t just create light — He uses it to guide His people. In this episode, we journey with Israel through the wilderness and watch as God leads them with a pillar of cloud by day and fire by night. We explore how God’s light brings direction, protection, and peace in seasons of uncertainty. Whether you are facing a major decision or walking through a difficult transition, this episode will help you recognize the ways God still guides His people today through His Word, His Spirit, and His presence.

RESOURCES IN TODAY’S EPISODE

Scripture References: Unless otherwise stated, Scripture verses are from the New King James Version of the Bible. Exodus 13:17a, 21–22. Exodus 14:19-20. Exodus 6:7. Psalm 119:105 (NLT). 1 John 1:5. Psalm 27:1. Isaiah 41:10. Joshua 1:9. Psalm 139: 7-12. John 8:12.

Other Resources: Biblehub.com, “Psalm 119:105.”

Reflection Questions:

1. When have you felt like you were in a “wilderness season,” and how did God guide you through it?

2. Which form of God’s guidance do you rely on most — His Word, His Spirit, His people, or His providence?

3. What fears tend to grow in the “darkness” of uncertainty for you?

4. How does the idea of God’s light as protection change the way you view His guidance?

5. Where do you need God’s direction right now, and what step can you take to seek His light?

In the opening episode of our series, we return to the very first words God speaks in Scripture: “Let there be light.” Why does the Bible begin with light? What does this reveal about God’s character, His intentions for creation, and His relationship with us? In this episode, we explore light as God’s first gift — a symbol of order, life, and revelation — and discover how this foundational theme shapes the entire biblical story. If you’ve ever felt surrounded by chaos or confusion, this episode will remind you of the God who still speaks light into darkness.

RESOURCES IN TODAY’S EPISODE

Scripture References:

Genesis 1:1-5. Psalm 33:6. Psalm 119:105. John 8:12. 1 John 1:5. Ephesians 5:8. Psalm 119:105, 130. Exodus 3:1-10. Exodus 13:21-22. Exodus 40:34. Exodus 34:29-35.Isaiah 41:10. Joshua 1:9. Psalm 27:1. John 1:5. John 17:25-26. Colossians 1:5. Colossians 2:9. Hebrews 2:1-3. Ephesians 1:7. Romans 5:10. Ephesians 2:8-9.

Other Resources:

As One Being Taught – Encourage. Challenge. Replenish. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://asonebeingtaught.wordpress.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Biblehub.com, “Light and Revelation.”

REFLECTION QUESTIONS

1. Where in your life do you currently feel “formless and empty,” and how might God be speaking light into that place?

2. What does it mean to you personally that God is light and has no darkness at all? How has God brought clarity or order to your life in the past?

3. Are there areas where you’re resisting God’s illumination because it feels uncomfortable?

4. What part of God’s character shines most clearly to you right now — His purity, His truth, His wisdom, or His presence?