TUESDAY

John 20:11-23

Yesterday, we noticed that when confronted with things they could not explain, and raised more questions than answers, Peter and John finally just went home. But it was not so with Mary, as we can see in today’s passage. Still heartbroken by all that had happened, she was not ready to go home and ponder, nor did she want to leave the place where she had last known Jesus to be. In her grief, she lingers, and through her tears, she bends down and looks in the tomb. We would think she would be startled to see two people (who were actually angels) sitting there in the tomb, and maybe even more so when they speak to her. They ask her why she is crying. But Mary, still so lost in her grief that she does not even seem fazed by their presence there, simply expresses her dismay at not knowing who had taken Jesus away, or where he now was. She turns away from them to see someone she mistakes for the gardener, not recognizing that it is Jesus. Jesus also asks why she is crying and what she is seeking. While she is pouring out her heart again, Jesus speaks her name. As Jesus names her, suddenly she sees more clearly, and she responds by naming him as well. What an incredibly powerful moment that must have been! The events of the last two days had turned her life upside down, and now it had been upturned again, but this time for very different reasons! As you take a few moments to just sit with this story and allow yourself to absorb the impact of what is recorded here, consider the following:

• In what ways can you relate to Mary’s experience? Have you had moments when your world seemed to be falling apart and grief made it hard to sense the presence of Jesus, or others that may be there with you?

• Both the angels and Jesus gently ask Mary a question rather than just making a statement: “Why are you crying?” What does that tell you about what is on the heart of God for us during times of grief?

• While Mary did not at first recognize either the presence of angels or the presence of Jesus, what made the difference for her? What does this tell us about how we might also be more aware of Jesus being with us?

• What was it that Mary was having to let go of, even as she was given something amazing to grasp and share? What do you think about that?

• On the resurrection morning, Mary was the first at the tomb, the last to leave, and the one entrusted with the first message from Jesus. What do you think the significance of that might be?

Take a few moments to share with God in prayer what you are thinking about and what is on your heart as you reflect on this story, and the glimpse it gives you of God.