September 8
________________________________________WOMAN, WHY ARE YOUR WEEPING?
11 But Mary was standing outside the tomb weeping; and so, as she wept, she stooped and looked into the tomb; 12 and she saw two angels in white sitting, one at the head and one at the feet, where the body of Jesus had been lying. 13 And they said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping?” She said to them, “Because they have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid Him.” 14 When she had said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, and did not know that it was Jesus. 15 Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?” Supposing Him to be the gardener, she said to Him, “Sir, if you have carried Him away, tell me where you have laid Him, and I will take Him away.” 16 Jesus said to her, “Mary!” She turned and said to Him in Hebrew, “Rabboni!” (which means, Teacher). 17 Jesus said to her, “Stop clinging to Me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father; but go to My brethren and say to them, ‘I ascend to My Father and your Father, and My God and your God.’” 18 Mary Magdalene came, announcing to the disciples, “I have seen the Lord,” and that He had said these things to her. – John 20:11-18
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This account of Jesus showing Himself to Mary after He rose from the dead. It gives us a peep into the power of Jesus’ overcoming the grave and also how He watches those whom He loves. Why was Mary weeping? Her answer in verse 13 clearly exhibits how little we actually see the spiritual realm. The reason for her tears was because her Lord was taken away from her. In other words, she lost that person who she has been serving. She seemed lost after this person whom she looked up to so much is now dead. She must have felt confused not knowing what to do when all she did was follow her Master. Because of grief, she forgot all the teachings and promises Jesus has given her. Sometimes, grief can overcome and consume our lives when we lose something or someone. We get derailed as to what our real purpose is. Jesus showed himself first to a woman. That is how important women are to Jesus. He wants Mary to be the first to witness to his resurrection. He saw Mary’s faithfulness and grief and He wanted to console and comfort her. He wants to reassure her that though she doesn’t see Him, He will always be there for her. Jesus also warned her not to touch Him yet until he goes to His Father. It reminds us to keep ourselves pure for our heavenly Father.
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REFLECTION
• How can grief sometimes derail us from focusing on Jesus?