Jesus Over SORROW AND DEATH
Read John 20:1-23
I have to wonder; did Mary get any sleep that night before coming to the tomb. She along with many others had witnessed their closest friend die an ugly death. However, it wasn’t just that He was a close friend, He was someone they trusted and believed in. They saw a love in Him that they had never witnessed before. He loved people, including them, that others would ignore or consider cursed of God, outcasts. He brought healing to many and promised a life that would be full, filled with promise, hope, and joy.
Yet here it was the day after Sabbath, very early in the morning, darkness still covering the land as Mary went to the tomb to anoint her friend’s body with spices as part of the burial process. When she arrived, trying to figure out how to get the stone moved, lo and behold, the stone was already moved. She immediately knew something was wrong and went back to notify Peter and John that the body of their friend had been taken. While the two disciples went into the tomb to see what had taken place, Mary stayed outside weeping, continuing to mourn her dear friend’s death. As she was crying, she heard a man’s voice ask, “Why are you filled with sorrow?” Mary didn’t recognize Him at first, but then she heard her name spoken and her sorrow immediately turned to joy as she embraced her dear friend and Lord, Jesus. It was as if everything that had weighed her down was suddenly lifted as her master called her by name. He was alive and death no longer had a hold on Him! She felt more alive in that moment than the day Jesus had cast out the demons that had overtaken her for so long. What a witness to the power of His presence towards each of us!
He is Worthy:
Lord, I give You thanks for being present with me and that You know me by name. (v. 16)
Father, I praise You that You are sovereign, even over death and __________. (v. 9)
Lord God, I am forever grateful, that You declare that Your Father is my Father, and Your God is my God. Therefore, You are my ________. (v. 17)
We are Needy:
Lord, give me eyes to see and believe even when things do not make sense. (v. 8-9)
Jesus, when I am afraid of _________, would You remind me that You provide a perfect peace and there is nothing that can separate us? (v. 19)
When I am filled with doubt about __________, would You show me again, the reality of who You are? (v. 20)
Father God, when I struggle to take the next step toward __________, would You help me to never forget that You gave me Your Holy Spirit to guide me? (v. 21-22)