The Catalyst April 2024: Seeing Christ Again

Image: Christ and St Mary Magdalene at the Tomb

Music: Natalie Grant: “Alive (MARY MAGDALENE)”

Scripture: John 20:11-18 ESV

But Mary stood weeping outside the tomb, and as she wept she stooped to look into the tomb.  And she saw two angels in white, sitting where the body of Jesus had lain, one at the head and one at the feet. They said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping?” She said to them, “They have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid him.” Having said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing, but she did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?” 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.” Jesus said to her, “Mary.” She turned and said to him in Aramaic, “Rabboni!” (which means Teacher). Jesus said to her, “Do not cling to me, for 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.’ ” Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, “I have seen the Lord”—and that he had said these things to her.

Poem: Psalm 98: XCVIII Cantate Domino

For Christ himself will shine as the true ark, 
The holy one between the cherubim, 
In his right hand and in his heart the mark 

And imprint of the wounds we gave to him 
Which he returns as love. He has declared 
That love with open hands and heart. To him 

The world with all its wounds, its shared 
Desires and fears, will come, to seek the peace 
Which he still offers freely. He has spared 

The guilty, for he chose to take their place 
And suffer for them. Therefore we sing 
A new song, in the all-renewing grace 

Still flowing from those wounds. The world will ring 
With music, drama, dance, and poetry, 
With every gift that grateful hearts can bring.

© Malcolm Guite 2021

Devotional

Question, why does Mary not recognize Jesus? How could Mary possibly not recognize Jesus? She’s been following Him for three years. Well, stop for a second and think about her state of mind. She is obviously still in shock over Jesus’ unexpected death. She is experiencing overwhelming grief. She couldn’t stop weeping, and she also just encountered two angels. In nearly every other angelic appearance in Scripture, people end up afraid, awestruck, and troubled. But how does Mary respond to the two angels? She just looks at them, and then turns to leave. She is emotionally wasted. She’s numb. Her brain doesn’t have a category for a risen Jesus; it doesn’t even cross her mind. So, when she looks at Him, she can’t see Him even though He’s standing right in front of her. 

The same thing happens to us. We get the wind knocked out of us physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually, in some way. Something happens and grief and sorrow descend. We are overwhelmed with emotions, pressure, circumstance, and situation. We can’t cope, and at that moment, we wonder, “Where are you, Jesus? God, where are you?” In the midst of this mess, here is the truth: He is with us. He’s right there in front of us, but we can’t see him because our minds are clouded. 

But you know what? That’s okay. It’s okay if you can’t see Him. Just know this: He is there, he is here, he is among us, and he is right in front of you. Jesus doesn’t scold us, saying, “I’m right here. What’s wrong with you? You’ve got to have more faith. Just come on and open your eyes.” No, Jesus always meets us where we are. He comes to you. 

Jesus is so patient, he will help you see him. That is exactly what happens here. Look at verse 16. “Mary!” Jesus said.” That’s all it takes, “Mary!”

From the sermon “Resurrection” by Kendal Anderson given 03/31/2024.

Prayer

Heavenly father, thank you for meeting me where I am. In your amazing love, you gave up the glories of heaven to meet me in my brokenness. Suffering and dying on the cross you made the way to new life. 

Even on the best of days, my heart and mind cannot begin to comprehend the depth of this love. Yet, even on my worst of days, even when I cannot see, you are there. You are faithful. You are true. You are kind. 

In my darkness, you call out my name. Father, help me to hear your voice. Restore in me the joy of your salvation. For you have clothed me with gladness. You have turned mourning into dancing. Through the death and resurrection of Jesus, I am a new creation. I will praise you forever! 

Amen.