Sorrow Turned Into Joy
Scripture Passage: John 20:11-18 (NASB)
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.
SUMMARY
While Simon Peter and the other disciple went back to their homes after seeing that the tomb of Jesus was empty, Mary stood by the tomb and wept. She saw two angels inside the tomb and they asked her why she was weeping. She told them because His body was taken away. Then, Jesus, standing there, asked her why she was weeping but she thought He was the gardener. However, she recognized Him instantly when He said “Mary.” He told Mary to stop clinging to Him because He had to ascend to “My Father” and also, “your Father.” Mary immediately went and proclaimed the news to the disciples.
MEDITATION & REFLECTION
Mary was already in sorrow from witnessing the crucifixion, but now even more after finding the tomb empty. She thought they had stolen His body. Imagine how agonizing it must’ve been to watch all these horrible things happen to Jesus and now, His body was stolen? She was grieving hard and was probably in a daze from crying so much. She probably couldn’t see or hear well even though she looked up and heard voices. But she immediately recognized Jesus when He called her name. I couldn’t help but wonder how many times Jesus had been standing there with me when I was going through a tragic time in my life. I personally experienced deep sorrow when our family went through a tragic accident a few years ago. Like Mary, I wept and was full of disappointments. I wondered why God wasn’t doing anything and even wondered about His promises. But one day God also called my name and opened my eyes to see Him again.
Mary didn’t know that this sorrow was soon going to turn into the biggest joy and hope. Jesus’ body wasn’t stolen, He resurrected! And she was the first to bear witness to the resurrection. She immediately went out and announced it. She wasn’t a powerful person and she was also a woman, but that didn’t stop her! She was fearless. She didn’t hesitate or take time to process or think about what she was going to say. She just went and excitedly shared the news. I really admire that about Mary and I too want to have the courage and boldness like her. Instead of thinking about what to say and what others may think, I need to just share the joy with others.
APPLICATION
I know I will continue to experience loss at some point in my life and throughout my life. Whether small or big, I must always remember to grieve in the light of the resurrection and that Jesus is standing there with me. “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me; and I give eternal life to them, and they will never perish; and no one will snatch them out of My hand” (John 10:27-28).
I will joyfully share my personal encounters with the Lord with others. I think growing up as the youngest out of three made me feel powerless as if what I have to say wasn’t important or heard. But like Mary I will just go and share not just in safe places or amongst believers who can relate, but with whoever and whenever God gives me the nudge to share.
PRAYER
Jesus, thank You for dying for me and allowing me to bear witness to Your resurrection. Thank You for persistently calling my name until I was able to recognize You. Please help me to grow in my faith so that I may clearly hear You when You call me and always see the resurrection in all circumstances. Prepare me with strength and courage to be like Mary and go out and share the good news openly and with enthusiasm. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
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