By Andrew Williams
“Now Mary stood outside the tomb crying. As she wept, she bent over to look into the tomb and saw two angels in white, seated where Jesus’ body had been, one at the head and the other at the foot. They asked her, “Woman, why are you crying?” “They have taken my Lord away,” she said, “and I don’t know where they have put him.” At this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not realize that it was Jesus. He asked her, “Woman, why are you crying? Who is it you are looking for?” Thinking he was the gardener, she said, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will get him.” Jesus said to her, “Mary.” She turned toward him and cried out in Aramaic, “Rabboni!” (which means “Teacher”). Jesus said, “Do not hold on to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father. Go instead to my brothers and tell them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’” Mary Magdalene went to the disciples with the news: “I have seen the Lord!” And she told them that he had said these things to her.” – John 20:11-18 (NIV)
Good morning fellow disciples.
John 20:11-18 recounts the pivotal moment of Mary Magdalene’s encounter with the risen Christ. Initially, she is consumed by grief, weeping outside the empty tomb. She sees angels, but her focus remains on the missing body of Jesus. Then, Jesus Himself appears, but she mistakes Him for the gardener. It is only when Jesus speaks her name, “Mary,” that she recognizes Him and exclaims, “Rabboni!” Jesus commissions her to go and tell the disciples the good news of His resurrection. This passage highlights the transformative power of encountering the risen Christ and the commission to share this truth with others.
As a disciple, you may experience moments of profound sorrow, disappointment, or confusion. You may feel lost, empty, or unable to see God’s presence in your life. Mary Magdalene’s encounter reminds you that even in the midst of your pain, Jesus is near. He may not appear in the way you expect, but He is present, waiting to reveal Himself to you. You are empowered to seek Him, to listen for His voice, and to recognize His presence in your life. Once you have encountered Him, you are commissioned to share the good news with others.
This week, if you are feeling lost, confused, or discouraged, take time to seek Jesus. Spend time in prayer, read the Scriptures, and listen for His voice. Be open to the possibility that He may reveal Himself to you in unexpected ways. Once you have encountered Him, share your experience with others and encourage them to seek Him as well.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, I acknowledge my moments of sorrow, disappointment, and confusion. Help me to seek You with all my heart and to listen for Your voice. Reveal Yourself to me in a way that I can understand and strengthen my faith. Commission me to share Your good news with others and to be a witness to Your love, Your grace, and Your power. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
