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A SPECIAL APPEARANCE
LORD’S DAY, MARCH 27
Mark 16:9-11

John 20:11-18

 

“…he appeared first to

Mary Magdalene…”

 

A SPECIAL APPEARANCE
 
Mary Magdalene, after she made her report to Peter and John, returned to the tomb to weep. Peter and John who preceded her had already left. She was by herself grieving over Jesus’ death, and now, the disappearance of His body. Evidently, Mary loved the Lord very much. She was eternally grateful to the Lord for delivering her from demon possession (Luke 8:2).
 
Mary stood outside the tomb and wept. And as she stooped down to look into the tomb, she saw two angels sitting at the place where the body of Jesus had lain, one at the head, the other at the feet. They were probably the same two angels who appeared to the women earlier. The angels asked her why she was weeping. She replied, “Because they have taken away my Lord.” It is significant to note that Mary addressed Jesus as “my Lord,” and not just “the Lord.” She had an intimate, personal relationship with her Saviour. Every Christian ought to have such a close relationship with Christ.
 
Then Jesus made a special appearance and spoke to Mary but she did not recognise Him. She thought He was the gardener, and enquired if he had taken the body of Jesus away, and put it somewhere else. Then Jesus called her name, “Mary.” Immediately she recognised the voice and tone of her Lord, and responded with “Rabboni” which means “Teacher.” Having found the Lord, she clung on to Him, not willing to let Him go. Jesus had to tell Mary, “Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father.” Why did Jesus tell Mary not to touch Him? Later on, did He not tell Thomas to touch Him (John 20:27)? There is no discrepancy here. When Jesus told Mary, “Touch me not,” He was saying, “Do not continue clinging on to me.” Mary would not let go of Jesus. She wanted Jesus to remain on earth. Jesus had to tell her that His redemptive mission on earth was over, and that He must ascend to heaven to assume His Messianic office of Prophet, Priest and King, sitting at the right hand of God as the Mediator of His people.
 
THOUGHT: Are you walking closely with the Lord?

PRAYER: (Pray for a close relationship with the Lord.)

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