“Woman, why are you crying? Who is it you are looking for?” – John 20:15 (NIV)
Mary Magdalene walked with Jesus during His time of ministry on earth. She was listed among His travel partners, who went with Him “through towns and villages” witnessing Him preaching and bringing the good news/gospel of the kingdom of God to them. She did not just travel as an observer but was an active participant in his ministry. The writer of the gospel of Luke states that she was one of the women who ministered to and provided for Jesus and His twelve disciples, out of their property and personal belongings (Luke 8: 1-3 AMPC).
In addition, Mary was also a recipient of, a testimony to, his healing and delivering power. She had been delivered from the possession and bondage of 7 demons. (Imagine that! She was a woman of wealth but still bound.) She, who once had no control over her own life but was led by forces of darkness, was now in her right of mind.
– NO MORE cutting of herself!
– NO MORE pain and shame!
– NO MORE being tossed and driven!
She was free; free to make her own choices and, she chose to “serve” the Christ.
Mary knew what bondage felt like and she also knew what freedom felt like. She was grateful for what Jesus had done for her and chose to be one of His disciples. In the time of our key verse, Mary, along with numerous women, had accompanied Jesus from Galilee to Jerusalem, ministering to Him. They were witnesses at His crucifixion, looking on from a distance. They observed where the body of Jesus was laid. NOTE: her ministry to Jesus was not confined only to when He was alive, when He was popular, or when He was being mobbed by the crowd.
Even in and after His death, she still desired to minister to Him. Because of the Sabbath, she was not able to minister as she wanted to but, after the Sabbath was passed, she and 2 other women bought sweet smelling spices that they might go and anoint Jesus’ body. The writer of the gospel told us that they left out while it was still dark and came to the tomb but, His body was not there.
Mary became distraught because, like the other disciples. she had not yet understood the Scripture and His teachings about His rising from the dead. (Isn’t it amazing how someone can love the Lord, be devoted to Him, and still lack understanding of the Scriptures, the deep things of God?) So Mary was distressed and upset. After Peter and the other disciples left, she looked into the tomb for herself and was asked by the angels, “Woman, why are you crying?” “They have taken my Lord away,” she said, “and I don’t know where they have put him.” At this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not realize that it was Jesus (vs. 13-14).
Then Mary heard that question asked of her a second time, “Woman, why are you crying? Who is it you are looking for?” Thinking he was the gardener, she said, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will get him (vs. 15).” Unbeknownst to Mary, today was the happiest day of her life, yet she was in despair. She wanted Jesus. She was satisfied with having just the dead body of Jesus to anoint it for the burial. She just wanted to know where they had transferred the body to that she might take it away. She sought Jesus and had found Him but did not recognize Him.
“Woman, why are you crying so? Who is it you are looking for?” Whatever/whomever you are seeking you will not find in the place of the dead. Walk away from this place of the dead, wipe your eyes, and go carry a message to my brothers. Tell them that “I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’” This was good news that changed Mary’s mindset and her posture. She returned to the others with the news, “He has ascended!”
- Because He is ascended, He is now at the right hand of the Father ever making intercession for us (Romans 8:34).
- Because He is ascended, death no longer has a sting for me, the grave no longer conquers (1 Corinthians 15:55).
- Because He is ascended, He has a name that is above every other name; every knee must bow in heaven, in earth, and under the earth He is victor. (Ephesians 1:18-21; Philippians 2:9-11)
- Because He ascended, one day I too will ascend (1 Thessalonian 4:16-18).
Friends, Mary learned something that morning that we need to learn as well. There is no need for tears. There is no need to grieve as those who are without hope. Because He has ascended, we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.
Friends, grab a hold of this message of hope that Jesus gave Mary – “I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’” Why are you weeping so? He has ascended.
Holy Spirit, help this understanding of that message to become truth in my life. Cause me to live a life as one who knows that He has ascended. AMEN!!