John 20:15-18
A NOTE ABOUT THIS WEEK’S DEVOTIONS:
Last week, we focused on the seven last words Jesus spoke from the cross. Jesus died on that cross, and his body laid in a borrowed grave. But death could not contain him. The tomb is empty and Jesus is risen from the dead! This week we focus on first seven words Jesus speaks on this side of the resurrection.
John 20:15-18 NRSV
15 Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you looking for?” 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,[b] “Rabbouni!” (which means Teacher). 17 Jesus said to her, “Do not hold on to me, because I have not yet ascended to the Father. But go to my brothers and say to them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’” 18 Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, “I have seen the Lord”; and she told them that he had said these things to her.
Christ is Risen!
He is Risen, Indeed! Alleluia!
We continue with the first seven words spoken by Jesus now raised from the dead.
In the garden outside the tomb, abandoned by Jesus Christ, Mary Magdalene encounters one who she thinks is the gardener. But once she hears her name, her eyes are opened and now she sees.
She addresses him with title “Rabbouni” – teacher. Jesus, risen from the dead has called her by name, and now, all she wants to do is hold on to that moment.
The first one of his followers to see Jesus Christ, risen from the dead! Can you imagine what she must have been thinking, feeling, comprehending?
Jesus again speaks to Mary – do not hold on to me, but go to my brothers that I am ascending to my Father…”
Married received the message of the Resurrection. As message that needs to be shared.
The message is this - death is no longer the final word. There is hope beyond the grave. New Life is ours today!
For Christ is Risen – He Is Risen Indeed! Alleluia!
Notice that in Jesus’ words to Mary, he calls the disciples his brothers! This is the first time in the Gospel of John Jesus uses that word to describe his followers. Tell my brothers. This new life means a new relationship. In this word, we can find hope and comfort that we who are fellow disciples of Jesus Christ are God’s children. And because we ARE God’s children, we are co-heirs with Christ, and inheritors of Eternal Life.
We too are called to proclaim this good news and tell all God’s children - Christ is Risen. Indeed!
Alleluia!
Let us pray:
Almighty God, we rejoice in the good news of great joy that your Son, our Brother and Savior, is victorious over sin and death. Empower us in our proclamation so all the world may know of your great love for all. We pray this in the name of Jesus Christ, risen from the dead.
Amen.