"WHO ARE YOU LOOKING FOR?"| John 20:14-16

Introduction:

Greetings and welcome to all online and in-person. Thank you for coming.

Let’s look at three verses in the gospel reading of today(John 20:14-16) by looking at one of Jesus’ disciples. She is the only disciple who is mention in all four gospels.

-We find her at critical movements in Jesus earth ministry.

She experience Jesus’s healing (he heal her of her sicknesses) - Luk 8:1

Jesus rise her family members from the dead. John 11:38-44

She sat at Jesus’s feet at a dinner hosted by her family for Jesus. Luk 10:39

She pour out her love and appreciation for Jesus when she brought an alabaster jar of expensive perfume and pour it at Jesus’ feet and wash his feet with her tears in full view people. Such love arose the jealousy of the dinner host, some of his disciples and Satan.- Luk 7:36-8:3

We find her at the cross, and at the tomb what a dedication and commitment to the Lord.

Mary was familiar with Jesus’ look and voice.

The text tells us that Mary when to the tomb with clear intention to find the reminds of the Jesus she known and could identify. She wants to continue her ministry of care in her grief of someone who had a profound impart her life.

Bible Passage: John 20:14–16

Summary: In this passage, Mary Magdalene encounters the risen Jesus at the tomb, initially failing to recognize him, a classic case of mistaken identity. Until Jesus calls her name, revealing His profound personal connection and fulfillment of her search. Jesus who preached, thought the word of God, healed, and sit the captives free was mistaken for a gardener by his friend.

Application: We must reflect on our own pursuit of Jesus. In moments of grief, confusion, or doubt, and fear we must ask ourselves who or what we are truly seeking. By recognizing Jesus in our lives, we can find hope and purpose amidst our struggles and weaknesses.

Teaching Movement

The experience of Mary at the tomb teaches us that seeking Jesus requires an open heart and mindful recognition of His presence, even in unexpected ways. Notices carefully that the text tells us, Jesus and two angels were present yet Mary did not recognize the very presence of God. It emphasizes that Jesus knows each of us personally and calls us by name, inviting us to deepen our relationship with Him.

How this passage could point to Christ:

In the context of the Bible, this encounter points to Jesus as the “Good Shepherd” who knows His sheep by name (John 10:3). It underscores His resurrection as a pivotal moment where His identity as Savior is confirmed, and His relationship with His followers is made intimate and personal.

Key thought:

In seeking Jesus, we fulfill our deepest longings and discover our true identity in Him.

1. Searching In Your Sorrow

John 20:14

Mary initially failed to recognize Jesus due to her sorrow and expectations. Her preoccupation with her grief can mirror our own struggles where we overlook Jesus' presence. Jesus standing there unnoticed or worse case mistaken identity suggests the need to be open and aware, and to search for Him even when we don't initially see Him.

2. Seeking with Intent

John 20:15

Jesus questions Mary's intentions, asking 'Who are you seeking(looking for)?' as a way to redirect her focus from the physical circumstances to a deeper spiritual reality. This question challenges our own understanding of what we seek in our lives and encourages us to focus on our true spiritual needs. Can you specially identify the Jesus you’r looking for?

3. Seen and Named

John 20:16

Jesus calling Mary by name as a pivotal moment of recognition. This personal address signifies His intimate knowledge of us and His desire for relationship. This highlights the transformative power of Jesus' voice and presence, helping us recognize our identity and purpose in Him. Jesus knows your name and my name and our name as a congregation. You must learned the voice of Jesus by spending time with him. Finally, Hebrews 13:2 says:

Hebrews 13:2 CSB

“Don’t neglect to show hospitality, for by doing this some have welcomed angels as guests without knowing it.”

Reflection:

How does Mary's experience reflect your own struggles in recognizing Jesus in tough times?

Let Us Pray