Focal Passage: John 20:1-2, 11-18
Through the years blockbuster films often billed its stars like this: “Gone with the Wind, with Clark Gable — featuring Viven Leigh.” A more famous actor would be designated “with,” while an upcoming star was labeled “featuring.” Today’s lesson might seem to be titled “The Resurrection, with Mary Magdalene — featuring Jesus Christ.” But it’s just the OPPOSITE: our focal passage certainly features the grieving/rejoicing Mary, but it’s with — it’s all about — our Lord Jesus Christ and His resurrection from the dead, The Ultimate Sign! The text is John 20:1-2, 11-18.
The Resurrection Story, FEATURING the redeemed Mary Magdalene
“How to Approach the Empty Tomb.” On this Glorious Resurrection Day, we should approach it like Mary did:
She came early, Verse 1. I love a phrase describing Mary Magdalene and the other dedicated women: “last at the cross, first at the tomb.” May we ALL seek the Savior early.
Mike Dawson
She discovered the stone rolled away, Verse 2a. Let’s re-discover God’s mighty power!
She ran and told it, Verse 2b. We don’t have to comprehend it all to communicate it.
She stood, weeping, Verse 11a. Sing with Mary, “How can I help but love Him, when He loved me so?”
She stooped, looking in, Verse 11b. On trips to Israel, I’ve been moved when visiting the place designated as the empty tomb of Jesus: you can’t walk in there without STOOPING DOWN.
She saw the angels, Verse 12. Angels are there — for eyes that look IN.
She nonchalantly talked with them, Verse 14. You needn’t fear speaking with Heaven.
She unknowingly talked with Jesus, Verse 15. Tears can sometimes cloud our vision and we don’t recognize Him.
She turned to Him and worshiped Him, Verse 17. Enough said!
She told others, Verse 18. I remember Don Francisco’s song “Gotta tell somebody” and I agree wholeheartedly.
The Resurrection Story, WITH the risen Lord Jesus
Jesus spoke three times to Mary, and He revealed something powerful about Himself each time.
“Why are you crying?” and “Who are you seeking?” Verse 15. Good questions to any who are grieving WITHOUT HOPE, and to any who might be looking for God in all the WRONG PLACES. Jesus enables us to grieve IN HOPE, and Scripture promises that if we truly seek Him, we WILL find Him.
“Mary.” Verse 16. My mother wrote a hymn entitled, “He Knows Me By Name.” It’s true; and if we listen closely, we may hear the living Lord Jesus Christ call our name — whatever sad situation we are in.
“Don’t cling to Me …” Verse 17, There are many interpretations about what Jesus meant when he said those words and added “for I have not yet ascended to the Father.” Dr. J. Vernon McGee’s idea is at least worthy of consideration: “So apparently He did ascend to His Father before the appearance to His disciples in the house. I believe that the Lord Jesus presented His blood at the throne of God and that His blood turned the judgement seat into the mercy seat which it is today.”
And I think those earlier words could mean: “Don’t cling to Me in the flesh; I’ll soon be gone — but then My Spirit will be with you, always; so GO TELL OTHERS!” Mary did (verse 18). We should, too! B&R — Dawson is pastor emeritus at First Baptist Church, Columbia, and has served as transitional interim pastor at numerous churches across the state since retiring from full-time ministry.
