Easter Morning and Mary Magdalene E - 1
Scripture gives us a deep look into two different types of relationships with Jesus, both of which took place on Easter.
Mary Magdelene, who was an outcast when she crossed paths with Jesus, began a relationship in getting to know Jesus. She knew that Jesus knew her intimately, including her past, her fears, her shame, and her thoughts. They became friends who knew what each other was thinking before the words were on the other person’s lips. She knew him in her heart. Mary went to the tomb of Jesus, as soon as it was allowed by religious law, on the day we call Easter.
There is also a story about two people who seemed to know about Jesus, talking to each other about recent events regarding Jesus as they walked to a town called Emmaus. This happened later in the day and is found elsewhere in BUT NOW.
Here are excerpts from the Gospels:
Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark …Mary Magdalene stood outside the empty 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.
They asked her, “Woman, why are you crying?” “They have taken my Lord away, and I do not know where they have put him.” At this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not recognize that it was Jesus.
“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 to him and cried out: Rabbi!”
John 20: 14-16, (NIV)
She knew the sound of his voice, she knew his thoughts toward her, she knew the kindness in his eyes. Jesus had entered her life. They were best friends. All she wanted was to hear Jesus call her by name, and she knew all would be well! Note that just a word was enough for Mary!
Sometimes people like you and I attend church for years and we have learned about Jesus, but we haven’t yet met Jesus.
Meeting him personally, and experiencing his overwhelming personal attention, is what “BUT NOW” is all about!
Mary mistook Jesus for the gardener. Some people believe that when Jesus enters our life, there would be trumpets playing and a light show. It’s a little bit like half-time at a Super Bowl. But sometimes Jesus comes as the gardener; watch for that also!
1) Did Mary know that it might be dangerous to go to the tomb, due to Temple Guards on duty? Why did she go anyway?
2) Would you have gone?
3) What was her “determination” level to go to the tomb?
4) Notice she went to the tomb “while it was still dark”. What does this mean about Mary?
5) How did Mary realize that the man she saw was Jesus?
6) When seeking Jesus to come into our life, can we be assured that He indeed will come?
7) Jesus wanted everyone to know that His resurrection was for everyone, including YOU! Can you sense this great news?
8) Do you know only about Jesus, like the two walkers, or are you like Mary, who experienced personally His life changing power for comfort and healing?
9) Perhaps you have realized by reflecting on the above question that you only know “about” Jesus, but you have not met Him personally. He wants you to hear Him call you by name. Simply ask Him to come and then get to know Him!
He who calls you by your first name is calling you now!