When the Dust has Settled
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Let's pray.
Father, join us here in your word this morning. Help us understand your word, reveal the scriptures to us, and by your word, may our hearts be healed in Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Father, join us here in your word this morning. Help us understand your word, reveal the scriptures to us, and by your word, may our hearts be healed in Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Do you know what has bothered me all week? Maybe it has bothered you as well. All week I have bothered that last week we left Mary Magdalene outside the tomb, crying.
Father, join us here in your word this morning. Help us understand your word, reveal the scriptures to us, and by your word, may our hearts be healed in Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Do you know what has bothered me all week? Maybe it has bothered you as well. But you know all week I have bothered by the fact that last week, we left Mary Magdalene outside the tomb, crying.
Do you know what has bothered me all week? Maybe it has bothered you as well. All week I have bothered that last week we left Mary Magdalene outside the tomb, crying.
Well, if you weren’t here last week, or perhaps if you were, maybe you forgot what we talked about. I suppose it is possible that some of you may not be as into sermons as I am, so perhaps you don’t remember. It’s ok I get that. I’ll refresh your memory.
Last week we looked at , and we looked at each of the people that were present at this resurrection account, and what they were doing at the tomb. We talked about Mary Magdalene; we talked about Peter, John, and Jesus.
Well, if you weren’t here last week, or perhaps if you were, maybe you forgot what we talked about. I suppose it is possible that some of you may not be as into sermons as I am, so perhaps you don’t remember. It’s ok I get that. I’ll refresh your memory.
Do you know what has bothered me all week? Maybe it has bothered you as well. All week I have bothered that last week we left Mary Magdalene outside the tomb, crying.
Well, if you weren’t here last week, or perhaps if you were, maybe you forgot what we talked about. I suppose it is possible that some of you may not be as into sermons as I am, so perhaps you don’t remember. It’s ok I get that. I’ll refresh your memory.
We talked about how Peter ran right in, and John went in after. John saw the linen strips lying there, that was enough for him, he saw and believed.
Last week we looked at , and we looked at each of the people that were present at this resurrection account, and what they were doing at the tomb. We talked about Mary Magdalene; we talked about Peter, John, and Jesus.
But, Mary Magdalene, we left her at the tomb, crying. We talked about her. We talked about how Jesus had removed seven demons from her in , and we talked about how she was at the cross, with the other women. But here at the resurrection, she was still at the tomb entrance crying.
Last week we looked at , and we looked at each of the people that were present at this resurrection account, and what they were doing at the tomb. We talked about Mary Magdalene, we talked about Peter, and John and even Jesus.
Well, if you weren’t here last week, or perhaps if you were, maybe you forgot what we talked about. I suppose it is possible that some of you may not be as into sermons as I am, so perhaps you don’t remember. It’s ok I get that. I’ll refresh your memory.
We talked about how Peter ran right in, and John went in after. John saw the linen strips lying there, that was enough for him, he saw and believed.
So, let’s first back up a bit to refresh our memories. Turn with me to John chapter 20:8
Finally the other disciple, who had reached the tomb first, also went inside. He saw and believed. (They still did not understand from Scripture that Jesus had to rise from the dead.)
Finally the other disciple, who had reached the tomb first, also went inside. He saw and believed.
"Finally the other disciple, who had reached the tomb first, also went inside. He saw and believed. (They still did not understand from Scripture that Jesus had to rise from the dead.) Then the disciples went back to where they were staying."
But, Mary Magdalene, we left her at the tomb, crying. We talked about her. We talked about how Jesus had removed seven demons from her in , and we talked about how she was at the cross, with the other women. But here at the resurrection, she was still at the tomb entrance crying.
"Finally the other disciple, who had reached the tomb first, also went inside. He saw and believed. (They still did not understand from Scripture that Jesus had to rise from the dead.) Then the disciples went back to where they were staying."
John 20:8-9"Finally the other disciple, who had reached the tomb first, also went inside. He saw and believed. (They still did not understand from Scripture that Jesus had to rise from the dead.) Then the disciples went back to where they were staying."
Last week we looked at , and we looked at each of the people that were present at this resurrection account, and what they were doing at the tomb. We talked about Mary Magdalene; we talked about Peter, John, and Jesus.
We talked about how Peter ran right in, and John went in after. John saw the linen strips lying there and He saw and believed.
The other was John. He looked at the strips of linen, saw, and believed. Then John adds this note, (They still did not understand from Scripture that Jesus had to rise from the dead).
So, let’s first back up a bit to refresh our memories. Turn with me to John chapter 20:8
Then the disciples went back to where they were staying.
Several weeks ago, we looked at John chapter 16. In that passage, at the last supper, Jesus talked about the coming of the Holy Spirit. He spoke about the work of the Holy Spirit. The passage, , was part of a larger conversation Jesus was having regarding the coming of the Holy Spirit. The conversation actually started a few chapters back in . In , verse 25, and 26 Jesus said,
We talked about how Peter ran right in, and John went in after. John saw the linen strips lying there, that was enough for him, he saw and believed.
But we left Mary Magdalene, at the tomb. We talked about her. We talked about how Jesus had removed 7 demons from her in , and we talked about how she was at the cross, with the other women, but we left her right at the entrance to the tomb. So, let’s turn to John chapter 20:10
But we just left Mary Magdalene. We talked about her. We talked about how Jesus had removed 7 demons from her in , and we talked about how she was at the cross, with the other women, but we left her right at the entrance to the tomb. So, let’s turn to John chapter 20:10
“All this I have spoken while still with you. But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.
"Finally the other disciple, who had reached the tomb first, also went inside. He saw and believed. (They still did not understand from Scripture that Jesus had to rise from the dead.) Then the disciples went back to where they were staying."
Jesus says the Holy Spirit will teach more about Jesus, and the Holy Spirit will remind us of the things Jesus taught. John is introducing to us the Holy Spirit. He is showing us the things that the Holy Spirit does in us, to teach us and to reveal Jesus to us.
The other was John. He looked at the strips of linen, saw, and believed. Then John adds this note, (They still did not understand from Scripture that Jesus had to rise from the dead). Several weeks ago, we looked at John chapter 16. In that passage, at the last supper, Jesus talked about the coming of the Holy Spirit. He spoke about the work the Holy Spirit would do. The passage we talked about in , was part of a larger conversation Jesus was having regarding the coming of the Holy Spirit. The conversation started a few chapters back in . In , verse 25, and 26 Jesus said, "All this I have spoken while still with you. But the Counselor ( I am going to stop there for a minute. Now some of you may have Advocate or Paraclete, but it doesn't matter, because Jesus clarifies, and says), the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you."
The Holy Spirit is sent to us to continue Jesus's work on the earth, and John doesn't want us to miss this important point.
But, Mary Magdalene, we left her at the tomb, crying. We talked about her. We talked about how Jesus had removed seven demons from her in , and we talked about how she was at the cross, with the other women. But here at the resurrection, she was still at the tomb entrance crying.
Then the disciples went back to where they were staying.
Now Mary stood outside the tomb crying. As she wept, she bent over to look into the tomb
Jesus says the Holy Spirit will teach more about Jesus, and remind us of the things Jesus taught. John is introducing to us the Holy Spirit. He is showing us the things that the Holy Spirit does in us, to teach us and to reveal Jesus to us.
John parenthetically adds that the disciples still didn't fully understand the scriptures. When John says that they still didn't fully understand the scriptures, it was not because they were stupid. It was not because they have somehow been lax in their study, but it was because the Holy Spirit still hadn't come to reveal Jesus fully to them, or to teach them, or to allow them to understand Jesus in the scriptures.
You may have noticed, that when I start, my messages, I pray. I pray to ask the Holy Spirit to teach us the Scriptures; I ask the Holy Spirit to reveal to us those things that we need to know.
So, let’s first back up a bit to refresh our memories. Turn with me to John chapter 20:8
The Holy Spirit is sent to us to continue Jesus's work on the earth. So, John doesn't want us to miss this important point.
Finally the other disciple, who had reached the tomb first, also went inside. He saw and believed.
I don't know where each of us is sitting personally with our relationship to Jesus; I can't possibly know that is between you and God. I don't know what work God is seeking to do in your hearts, and in your lives. I can't possibly know, but the Holy Spirit knows. The Holy Spirit is the person who teaches you, who convicts and who reveals to you what you need to know. So, just like I pray before the message, when you are at home, and you open your Bible to read, pray. Ask God for the Holy Spirit to reveal to you what you need to know, ask the Holy Spirit to convict you, and ask the Holy Spirit to change your heart.
John parenthetically adds that the disciples still didn't fully understand the scriptures, not because they were stupid. Not because they have somehow been lax in their understanding, but because the Holy Spirit still hadn't come to reveal Jesus fully to them, to teach them, or allow them to understand Jesus in the scriptures.We learned that the Holy Spirit also convicts us of sin, and points to the righteousness of Jesus.
Finally the other disciple, who had reached the tomb first, also went inside. He saw and believed. (They still did not understand from Scripture that Jesus had to rise from the dead.) Then the disciples went back to where they were staying.
One word of caution here, and it is important that you understand this. That does not mean that the Holy Spirit gives you a new or untold revelation of the Bible. The Holy Spirit only teaches you or reveals Jesus to you within the framework of the already revealed word of God. This means that the Holy Spirit will only reveal things to us that are lined up with God's word. He does not give you secret messages, or tell you anything that is not consistent with the word of God. If you hear someone speaking about the Holy Spirit revealing something to them, if it isn't consistent with God's word, it is not the Holy Spirit.
"Finally the other disciple, who had reached the tomb first, also went inside. He saw and believed. (They still did not understand from Scripture that Jesus had to rise from the dead.) Then the disciples went back to where they were staying."
So when I start, my messages, I pray. I pray to ask the Holy Spirit to teach us the Scriptures; I ask the Holy Spirit to reveal to us those things that we need to know. I don't know where each of is sitting personally with your faith in Jesus; I don't know what work God is seeking to do in your hearts, and in your lives. I can't possibly know, but the Holy Spirit knows. The Holy Spirit is really the person who teaches you, and convicts and reveals to you what you need to know. So, just like I pray before the message, when you are at home, and you open your Bible to read, pray. Ask God by the Holy Spirit tp reveal to you what you need to know, to convict you, to change your heart.
"Finally the other disciple, who had reached the tomb first, also went inside. He saw and believed. (They still did not understand from Scripture that Jesus had to rise from the dead.) Then the disciples went back to where they were staying."
Let's continue. Let's go back to
One word of caution here, and it is important that you understand this. That does not mean that the Holy Spirit gives you a new or untold revelation of scripture. The Holy Spirit only teaches you or reveals Jesus to you within the framework of the already revealed word of God. The Holy Spirit will only reveal things to us that are lined up with God's word. He does not give you secret messages, or tell you anything that is not consistant with the word of God. If you hear someone speaking about the Holy Spirit revealing something to them if it isn't consistant with God's word, it is not the Holy Spirit.
The other was John. He looked at the strips of linen, saw, and believed. Then John adds this note, (They still did not understand from Scripture that Jesus had to rise from the dead). Several weeks ago, we looked at John chapter 16. In that passage, at the last supper, Jesus talked about the coming of the Holy Spirit. He spoke about the work the Holy Spirit would do. The passage we talked about in , was part of a larger conversation Jesus was having regarding the coming of the Holy Spirit. The conversation started a few chapters back in .
(NIV)
“All this I have spoken while still with you. But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.
Then the disciples went back to where they were staying.
Now Mary stood outside the tomb crying. As she wept, she bent over to look into the tomb
John 14.25-1In , verse 25, and 26 Jesus said, "All this I have spoken while still with you. But the Counselor ( I am going to stop there for a minute. Now some of you may have Advocate or Paraclete, but it doesn't matter, because Jesus clarifies, and says), the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you."
Let's continue. Let's go back to
"Then the disciples went back to where they were staying. Now Mary stood outside the tomb crying. As she wept, she bent over to look into the tomb."
In , verse 25, and 26 Jesus said, "All this I have spoken while still with you. But the Counselor ( I am going to stop there for a minute. Now some of you may have Advocate or Paraclete, but it doesn't matter, because Jesus clarifies, and says), the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you."
Some translations, have Paraclete, or Counselor. Either way, He is talking about the Holy Spirit. Jesus says the Holy Spirit will teach more about Jesus, and remind us of the things Jesus taught. John is introducing to us the Holy Spirit. He is showing us the things that the Holy Spirit does in us, to teach us and to reveal Jesus to us.
In John's account of the resurrection, John does not leave us with a lot of detail. All we know is the disciples left, and maybe it was their mood, or maybe Mary heard something, but whatever the case, John records that Mary, as she wept, bent over to look into the tomb.
(NIV)
Slide-Tomb
"Then the disciples went back to where they were staying. Now Mary stood outside the tomb crying. As she wept, she bent over to look into the tomb."
The Holy Spirit is sent to us to continue Jesus's work on the earth. So, John doesn't want us to miss this important point.
The first-century people cut tombs out of rock. There carved a flat area, like a bench, where they would lay the body for embalming. They would wrap the body in spices and grave clothes. The body would eventually decompose, and they would move the bones to a small niche to make more room. This picture is not Jesus' tomb, but another tomb of that period to give you a picture.
In John's account of the resurrection, John does not leave us with a lot of detail. All we know is the disciples left, and maybe it was their mood, or maybe Mary heard something, but whatever the case, John records that Mary, as she wept, bent over to look into the tomb.
.
(NIV)
John parenthetically adds that the disciples still didn't fully understand the scriptures, not because they were stupid. Not because they have somehow been lax in their understanding, but because the Holy Spirit still hadn't come to reveal Jesus fully to them, to teach them, or allow them to understand Jesus in the scriptures.We learned that the Holy Spirit also convicts us of sin, and points to the righteousness of Jesus.
Slide-Tomb
12 and saw two angels in white, seated where Jesus’ body had been, one at the head and the other at the foot.
and saw two angels in white, seated where Jesus’ body had been, one at the head and the other at the foot.
They asked her, “Woman, why are you crying?”
“They have taken my Lord away,” she said, “and I don’t know where they have put him.”
A first century tomb was cut out of rock. We have already talked about it but I will refresh your memory. There were was a flat area or a bench like place that they would lay the body on. They would wrap the body in spices and grave clothes. The body would eventually decompose, and they would move the bones to a small niche to make more room. This is not Jesus' tomb, but another tomb of that time period to give you and idea of what it would look like.
13 They asked her, “Woman, why are you crying?”
So when I start, my messages, I pray. I pray to ask the Holy Spirit to teach us the Scriptures; I ask the Holy Spirit to reveal to us those things that we need to know. I don't know where each of is sitting personally with your faith in Jesus; I don't know what work God is seeking to do in your hearts, and in your lives. I can't possibly know, but the Holy Spirit knows. The Holy Spirit is really the person who teaches you, and convicts and reveals to you what you need to know. So, just like I pray before the message, when you are at home, and you open your Bible to read, pray. Ask God by the Holy Spirit to reveal to you what you need to know, to convict you, to change your heart.
“They have taken my Lord away,” she said, “and I don’t know where they have put him.”
.
These have been a rough few weeks for Mary and the disciples. They have been an emotional rollercoaster. Lazarus died, Jesus rode triumphally into Jerusalem, then He was betrayed, arrested, denied, whipped, and crucified. Everyone had been through a tremendous onslaught of life and death events.
One word of caution here, and it is important that you understand this. That does not mean that the Holy Spirit gives you a new or untold revelation of scripture. The Holy Spirit only teaches you or reveals Jesus to you within the framework of the already revealed word of God. The Holy Spirit will only reveal things to us that are lined up with God's word. He does not give you secret messages, or tell you anything that is not consistent with the word of God. If you hear someone speaking about the Holy Spirit revealing something to them if it isn't consistent with God's word, it is not the Holy Spirit.
(NIV)
It is not surprising that she is looking at the tomb through her tears. When you are in the middle of something like that, you can't see the whole picture.
12 and saw two angels in white, seated where Jesus’ body had been, one at the head and the other at the foot.
Yet for us, the reader of John's Gospel, we are coming to this scene somewhat detached from the emotional onslaught. We are separated from the events, so that now after everything is over, and after the dust has settled, we can take a peek inside the tomb and see what happened.
Slide-Tomb
Let's continue. Let's go back to
It is similar to looking at a natural disaster, or the 35W bridge collapse. At the time of the disaster, there are other priorities. There are the efforts to rescue people. Stop any further damage protect yourself, etc. But as the dust settles, the authorities come in and look at what happened. They give an opinion of what went on.
13 They asked her, “Woman, why are you crying?”
Mary is still in pain from the disaster, but John begins to give us a picture of what just happened.
“They have taken my Lord away,” she said, “and I don’t know where they have put him.”
Then the disciples went back to where they were staying.
Now Mary stood outside the tomb crying. As she wept, she bent over to look into the tomb
John tells us that two angels are sitting in the place where Jesus lay. Take another look at that burial bench on the screen. Now, picture one angel sitting at one end, and another angel the other end.
Now take a look at this.
This has been quite a time for Mary and the disciples. These last couple of weeks have been an emotional rollercoaster. There was the death of Lazarus, the triumphal entry into Jerusalem, the betrayal, the denial, the arrest, the crucifixtion, this was a tremendous onslaught of life and death events. So it is not surprising that she is looking at the tomb through her tears. When you are in the middle of something like that, you can't see the whole picture.
"Then the disciples went back to where they were staying. Now Mary stood outside the tomb crying. As she wept, she bent over to look into the tomb."
"Then the disciples went back to where they were staying. Now Mary stood outside the tomb crying. As she wept, she bent over to look into the tomb."
Slide-Ark
But at the same time for the reader of John's Gospel we are coming to it, somewhat detached. We are seperated from the events a bit, so that now after everything is over, after the dust has settled. We can take a peek inside the tomb and see what has really happened.
This is a picture of a replica of the "Ark of the Covenant."
It is simialr to looking at a natural disater, or the 35W bridge collapse. At the time of the disaster, there are other priorities. There are the efforts to rescue people. But as the dust settles, the authoritites come in and look at what happened, and give an opion of what went on.
Perhaps, you are thinking that I am making quite a leap here. So, before we go down the path, let's look at something. Earlier, I told you the Holy Spirit does not reveal anything new to us, that has not already been revealed in Scripture. So to check whether or not we are on the right track, we need to search all of Scripture to see if our interpretation is valid. Does it fit with the rest of the Bible? Next, we can look at other commentators to see if they share the same opinion. This view is actually from Dr. R.C. Sproul, a theologian, commentator, and professor. Now, let's take a look at Scripture, and see what we find.
In John's account of the resurrection, John does not leave us with a lot of detail. All we know is the disciples left, and maybe it was their mood, or maybe Mary heard something, but whatever the case, John records that Mary, as she wept, bent over to look into the tomb.
God gave the Moses instructions for building the Ark of the Covenant in Exodus chapter 25. The Ark of the Covenant is a gold box that held the ten commandments, Aaron's staff, and a jar of manna. The cover of the box, or the atonement cover, also know as the Mercy Seat had two carved cherubim on either end. From Exodus chapter 25, starting at verse 17.
Mary is still in pain from the disaster, but John begins to give us this picture of a little more that is going on, I will show you what I mean. John tells us that two angels are sitting in the place where Jesus lay. Take a look at that burial bench on the screen. Now picture one angel sitting at one end, and other angel at another.
(NIV)
Slide-Tomb
Now take a look at this.
17 “Make an atonement cover of pure gold—two and a half cubits long and a cubit and a half wide. 18 And make two cherubim out of hammered gold at the ends of the cover. 19 Make one cherub on one end and the second cherub on the other; make the cherubim of one piece with the cover, at the two ends. 20 The cherubim are to have their wings spread upward, overshadowing the cover with them. The cherubim are to face each other, looking toward the cover. 21 Place the cover on top of the ark and put in the ark the tablets of the covenant law that I will give you. 22 There, above the cover between the two cherubim that are over the ark of the covenant law, I will meet with you and give you all my commands for the Israelites."
Under the Old Testament law, before Jesus came, God instituted an animal sacrifice system. When people sinned, they would sacrifice an animal.
Slide-Ark
A first century tomb was cut out of rock. We have already talked about it but I will refresh your memory. There were was a flat area or a bench like place that they would lay the body on. They would wrap the body in spices and grave clothes. The body would eventually decompose, and they would move the bones to a small niche to make more room. This is not Jesus' tomb, but another tomb of that time period to give you and idea of what it would look like.
They did this because sin separates us from God. When Adam sinned, he separated us from God, and we were all subject to death. The death of the animal was symbolic of the death of the sinner.
This is a picture of a replica of the "Ark of the Covenant".
This idea is further explained to us in the New Testament as well. The book of Hebrews. Let's look at the book of Hebrews chapter 9.
.
Perhaps, you are thinking that I am making quite a leap here. So, before we go down the path, let's look at something. Earlier, I told you the Holy Spirit does not reveal anything new to us, that has not already been revealed in Scripture. So in order to check weather or not we are on the right track, we need to search all of Scripture to see if our interpration is valid. Does it fit with the rest of the Bible. Next, we can look at other commentators to see if they share the same opion. This view is actually from Dr. R.C. Sproul. Now, let's take a look at Scripture, and see what we find.
In chapter 9 the writer of Hebrews describes how the Israelites kept the ark in a special place in the temple, called the Holy of Holies. The priest could not enter the room without the blood of a sacrifice. He would take the blood and sprinkle it on this atonement cover, or Mercy Seat, to symbolically cover over the sins of the people.
and saw two angels in white, seated where Jesus’ body had been, one at the head and the other at the foot.
They asked her, “Woman, why are you crying?”
“They have taken my Lord away,” she said, “and I don’t know where they have put him.”
Then, further down in Hebrews chapter 9, verse 8, it says,
The directions for making the Ark of the Covenant are found in Exodus chapter 25. The Ark of the covenant is a gold box, that God told Moses to make when the Israelites were rescued from slavery. The box held the ten commandments, Aaron's staff that had budded, and a jar of manna from when God provided provsion for the Israelites in the desert. The cover of the box, or the atonement cover, had two carved cherubim on either end. From Exodus chapter 25, starting at verse 17.
and saw two angels in white, seated where Jesus’ body had been, one at the head and the other at the foot.
They asked her, “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.
.12-13
(NIV)
and saw two angels in white, seated where Jesus’ body had been, one at the head and the other at the foot.
They asked her, “Woman, why are you crying?”
“They have taken my Lord away,” she said, “and I don’t know where they have put him.”
8 The Holy Spirit was showing by this that the way into the Most Holy Place had not yet been disclosed as long as the first tabernacle was still functioning."
The Holy Spirit was showing by this that the way into the Most Holy Place had not yet been disclosed as long as the first tabernacle was still functioning.
(NIV)
What God was showing us was a picture, He had not yet revealed the full picture, but he was showing it piece by piece.
17 “Make an atonement cover of pure gold—two and a half cubits long and a cubit and a half wide. 18 And make two cherubim out of hammered gold at the ends of the cover. 19 Make one cherub on one end and the second cherub on the other; make the cherubim of one piece with the cover, at the two ends. 20 The cherubim are to have their wings spread upward, overshadowing the cover with them. The cherubim are to face each other, looking toward the cover. 21 Place the cover on top of the ark and put in the ark the tablets of the covenant law that I will give you. 22 There, above the cover between the two cherubim that are over the ark of the covenant law, I will meet with you and give you all my commands for the Israelites."
12 and saw two angels in white, seated where Jesus’ body had been, one at the head and the other at the foot.
Then in Hebrews chapter 9, verse 11, we learn,
(NIV)
But when Christ came as high priest of the good things that are now already here, he went through the greater and more perfect tabernacle that is not made with human hands, that is to say, is not a part of this creation. He did not enter by means of the blood of goats and calves; but he entered the Most Holy Place once for all by his own blood, thus obtaining eternal redemption.
Under the Old Testament law, before Jesus came, God instituted an animal sacrifice system. How this worked is that the people would sin, and the animal would be sacrificed. Sin seperates us from God. When Adam sinned, he seperated us from God, and we were all subject to death. The death of the animal was symbolic of our the death of the sinner.
The Blood of Christ
13 They asked her, “Woman, why are you crying?”
For further explanation, we should turn back to the New Testament. to the book of Hebrews chapter 9.
11 But when Christ came as high priest of the good things that are now already here, he went through the greater and more perfect tabernacle that is not made with human hands, that is to say, is not a part of this creation. 12 He did not enter by means of the blood of goats and calves; but he entered the Most Holy Place once for all by his own blood, thus obtaining eternal redemption."
What the writer of Hebrews is telling us, and what John is telling us, and what the Holy Spirit is telling us, is that Jesus's sacrifice is the new way to God.
The writer of Hebrews describes how the ark was kept in the temple in a special place called the Holy of Holies. The priest could not enter the room without the blood of a sacrifice. He would take the blood and sprinkle it on the atonement cover.
“They have taken my Lord away,” she said, “and I don’t know where they have put him.”
When Mary looked into the tomb through her tear stained eyes, it was as if she was looking into the Holy of Holies. She saw two angels sitting where Jesus's body had been, and God shows her a picture of the Mercy Seat. But this time not covered with the blood of animals but covered with the blood of Jesus Christ.
Hebrews chapter 9, verse 8, says,
You know we like to think that we come to come to God bringing something. Although the scriptures teach differently, somehow we think it is still up to us. Sometimes we think we are the smart ones who figured it out. Or sometimes, we think it is because we are good. Or maybe we think it is because we are bringing the best sacrifice of our time and our effort to God, so now we will be really close to God, but I want to point to something out to you.
This has been quite a time for Mary and the disciples. These last couple of weeks have been an emotional rollercoaster. There was the death of Lazarus, the triumphal entry into Jerusalem, the betrayal, the denial, the arrest, the crucifixtion, this was a tremendous onslaught of life and death events. So it is not surprising that she is looking at the tomb through her tears. When you are in the middle of something like that, you can't see the whole picture.
8 The Holy Spirit was showing by this that the way into the Most Holy Place had not yet been disclosed as long as the first tabernacle was still functioning."
It the old Testament, it was the animal that died and the priest that brought the blood to the Mercy Seat. When Jesus died, it was all His sacrifice. When he went to the cross, when he suffered and died, we did not do anything. Jesus's death, if you think about it did not cost you anything.
When Mary comes to the tomb, she doesn't bring anything, not even her understanding. The only thing she brings is her tears. Her tears, because of her lost relationship with Jesus. Our hearts are what need to be broken over the fact that our sin causes a broken relationship with God.
What God was showing us was a picture, He had not yet revealed the full picture, but he was showing it piece by piece.
But at the same time for the reader of John's Gospel we are coming to it, somewhat detached. We are seperated from the events a bit, so that now after everything is over, after the dust has settled. We can take a peek inside the tomb and see what has really happened.
So when Mary finally confronts the fact of Jesus's death by looking into the tomb, God reveals to her the Holy Holies. She is allowed to see the Mercy Seat of God Almighty.
Then in Hebrews chapter 9, verse 11, we learn,
again,
There, above the cover between the two cherubim that are over the ark of the covenant law, I will meet with you and give you all my commands for the Israelites.
It is similar to looking at a natural disaster, or the 35W bridge collapse. At the time of the disaster, there are other priorities. There are the efforts to rescue people. But as the dust settles, the authorities come in and look at what happened, and give an opinion of what went on.
" There, above the cover between the two cherubim that are over the ark of the covenant law, I will meet with you and give you all my commands:
(NIV)
At this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not realize that it was Jesus.
And , "At this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not realize that it was Jesus.
And , "At this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not realize that it was Jesus.
The Blood of Christ
Jesus came to meet her right there, right where she was, in the middle of her tears, without her bringing anything but her broken heart. And God reaches down, and he calls her by name.
Mary is still in pain from the disaster, but John begins to give us this picture of a little more that is going on, I will show you what I mean. John tells us that two angels are sitting in the place where Jesus lay. Take a look at that burial bench on the screen. Now picture one angel sitting at one end, and other angel at another.
11 But when Christ came as high priest of the good things that are now already here, he went through the greater and more perfect tabernacle that is not made with human hands, that is to say, is not a part of this creation. 12 He did not enter by means of the blood of goats and calves; but he entered the Most Holy Place once for all by his own blood, thus obtaining eternal redemption."
.
Jesus said to her, “Mary.”
She turned toward him and cried out in Aramaic, “Rabboni!” (which means “Teacher”).
" (NIV)
What the writer of Hebrews is telling us, and what John is telling us, and what the Holy Spirit is telling us, is that Jesus's sacrifice is the new way to God.
Now take a look at this.
16 Jesus said to her, “Mary.”
When Mary looked into the tomb through her tear stained eyes, it was as if she was looking into the Holy of Holies. She saw two angles sitting where Jesus's body had been, and a picture of the Mercy Seat is shown to her, but this time not covered with the blood of animals but covered with the blood of Jesus Christ.
She turned toward him and cried out in Aramaic, “Rabboni!” (which means “Teacher”).
Slide-Ark
You know we like to think that we come to come to God bringing something. Although the scriptures teach differently, somehow we think it is still up to us. Either we are the smart ones who figured it out, or it is because we are good, or it is because we are bringing the best sacrifice of our time and our effort to God, so now we will be really close to God, but I want to point to something out to you.
God is reconciled to Mary. Her sins have been covered over by Jesus's blood, and Mary is now reunited with Jesus. Fellowship between God and man has been restored. Her heart is filled with joy. She does not want to lose Jesus again, so she grabs him. I n her her joy, she grabs on to Jesus.
We don't know how much time has passed. We don't know how long Jesus let her hold Him, but it can't stay that way,
It the old Testament, it was the animal that died and the priest that brought the blood to the Mercy Seat. When Jesus died, it was all His sacrifice. When he went to the cross when he suffered and died, we did not have a part. Jesus's death did not really cost you anything.
This is a picture of a replica of the "Ark of the Covenant".
Jesus said, “Do not hold on to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father. Go instead to my brothers and tell them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’ ”
When Mary comes to the tomb, she doesn't bring anything, not even her understanding. The only thing she brings is her tears. Her tears, because of her lost relationship with Jesus. SO when she finally confronts the fact of Jesus's death by looking into the tomb, God reveals to her the Holy Holies, and she is allowed to see the Mercy Seat of God Almighty.
"Jesus said, “Do not hold on to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father. Go instead to my brothers and tell them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’ ”
Perhaps, you are thinking that I am making quite a leap here. So, before we go down the path, let's look at something. Earlier, I told you the Holy Spirit does not reveal anything new to us, that has not already been revealed in Scripture. So in order to check weather or not we are on the right track, we need to search all of Scripture to see if our interpration is valid. Does it fit with the rest of the Bible. Next, we can look at other commentators to see if they share the same opion. This view is actually from Dr. R.C. Sproul. Now, let's take a look at Scripture, and see what we find.
Why? Why does Jesus want her to let go? Why can't she continue to stay right here in her mountaintop moment of salvation?
again,
Again, .
" There, above the cover between the two cherubim that are over the ark of the covenant law, I will meet with you and give you all my commands:
The directions for making the Ark of the Covenant are found in Exodus chapter 25. The Ark of the covenant is a gold box, that God told Moses to make when the Israelites were rescued from slavery. The box held the ten commandments, Aaron's staff that had budded, and a jar of manna from when God provided provsion for the Israelites in the desert. The cover of the box, or the atonement cover, had two carved cherubim on either end. From Exodus chapter 25, starting at verse 17.
But very truly I tell you, it is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Advocate will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you.
(NIV)
And , "At this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not realize that it was Jesus.
7 But very truly I tell you, it is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Advocate will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you.
So now Mary, Jesus says, don't linger in your mountain top moment. Do you think this is good? There will be good times ahead. I will send the Holy Spirit. Don't stay here, instead, go. Go, tell others. Spread the good news. Spread the gospel; I am going to the Father. My work is done, Now it is your turn to do the work of the kingdom, with the help of the Holy Spirit.
(NIV)
Jesus came to meet her right there, right where she was, in the middle of her tears, God reaches down and he calls her by name.
What does all that mean to us? What does that massive information overload have to do with me right here in St. Luke's, right here in Faribault, how does that pertain to my life?
.
What does all that mean to us? What does that massive information overload have to do with me right here in St. Luke's, right here in Faribault, how does that pertain to my life?
17 “Make an atonement cover of pure gold—two and a half cubits long and a cubit and a half wide. 18 And make two cherubim out of hammered gold at the ends of the cover. 19 Make one cherub on one end and the second cherub on the other; make the cherubim of one piece with the cover, at the two ends. 20 The cherubim are to have their wings spread upward, overshadowing the cover with them. The cherubim are to face each other, looking toward the cover. 21 Place the cover on top of the ark and put in the ark the tablets of the covenant law that I will give you. 22 There, above the cover between the two cherubim that are over the ark of the covenant law, I will meet with you and give you all my commands for the Israelites."
Jesus came so that God would once again dwell with his people. Our God is an intensely personal God. He calls each of us by name. He calls us through His word.
" (NIV)
It may be through hearing God's Word, or it may be by reading God's word, but God always calls us through the word of God, individually, and personally.
Under the Old Testament law, before Jesus came, God instituted an animal sacrifice system. How this worked is that the people would sin, and the animal would be sacrificed. Sin seperates us from God. When Adam sinned, he seperated us from God, and we were all subject to death. The death of the animal was symbolic of our the death of the sinner.
16 Jesus said to her, “Mary.”
We are not called to understand all of it, all at once. We are only called to respond to that portion that we do understand. He calls us each by name to receive the gospel. Jesus Christ calls us to believe in His resurrection and his deity. He calls us to place our sins on Him, and trust in Him for the forgiveness of our sins. The only thing we bring is a broken heart. A heart that is broken over the fact that that we are the ones who severed our relationship with God in the first place.
She turned toward him and cried out in Aramaic, “Rabboni!” (which means “Teacher”).
When we do that, God dwells with us. God sends the Holy Spirit to us to live within us. We live in relationship with God, once again. And it doesn't end there.
For further explanation, we should turn back to the New Testament. to the book of Hebrews chapter 9.
A relationship is a back and forth thing. It is give, and take. It is communication, and it is loving, and living with God.
Then in her emotion, joyous because she was now reunited with Her God, and now in fellowship with God once again, she grabs on to Jesus.
God communicates to us in this relationship the same way he called us, through His word. It is not some mystical experience, apart from His word. We pray, we read His Word, and the Holy Spirit convicts us, gives us understanding about God in our lives, and we respond.
The writer of Hebrews describes how the ark was kept in the temple in a special place called the Holy of Holies. The priest could not enter the room without the blood of a sacrifice. He would take the blood and sprinkle it on the atonement cover.
So when the dust has settled, I have a question for you. Has the resurrection had an impact on you? Are you living in the relationship I just described? If you are, keep reading His word, keep praying, keep in fellowship.
If not go to the tomb. Look inside. Do you see the Mercy Seat? Has Jesus covered over your sins with his blood? Not corporately not anyone else's, yours. Is your heart broken for a relationship with the Living God, pray, ask forgiveness, read His word.
"Jesus said, “Do not hold on to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father. Go instead to my brothers and tell them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’ ”
Hebrews chapter 9, verse 8, says,
(NIV)
Why does Jesus want her to let go? Why can't she continue to stay right here in her mountaintop moment of salvation? .
12 For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. 13 Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.
(NIV)
8 The Holy Spirit was showing by this that the way into the Most Holy Place had not yet been disclosed as long as the first tabernacle was still functioning."
7 But very truly I tell you, it is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Advocate will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you.
Jesus the Great High Priest
What God was showing us was a picture, He had not yet revealed the full picture, but he was showing it piece by piece.
So now Mary, Jesus says, don't linger in your mountain top moment. Do you think is good? There will be good times ahead. Instead, go. Go, tell others. Spread the good news. Spread the gospel; I am going to the Father. Now it is your turn to do the work of the kingdom.
14 Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. 15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. 16 Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.
So now, what does all that mean to us? What does that massive information overload have to do with me here in St. Luke's, here in Faribault, how does that pertain to my life?
In Jesus Name
Then in Hebrews chapter 9, verse 11, we learn,
Jesus came so that God would once again dwell with his people. Our God is an intensely personal God. He calls each of us by name. He calls us through His word. It may be through hearing God's Word, or maybe by reading God's word, but we are always called through the word of God. We are not called to understand all of it, all at once, we are only called to respond to that portion that we do understand. He calls us each by name to receive the gospel. He calls us to believe in the resurrection of Jesus Christ. He calls us to place our sins on Him, and trust in Him for the forgiveness of sins. When we do that, God dwells with us. God sends the Holy Spirit to us to live within us, and we live in relationship with God. And it doesn't end there.
Bow with me in prayer.
(NIV)
Relationship is a back and forth thing, give and take, communication, loving, and living with.
God communicates to us through His word. It is not some mystical experience. It is never apart from His word. We pray, we read His word the Holy Spirit convicts us, gives us understanding, and we respond.
The Blood of Christ
So when the dust has settled, I have a question for you. Has the resurrection had an impact on you? Are you living in the relationship I just described? If you are keep reading His word, if not go back to the tomb. Look inside. Do you see the Mercy Seat? Has Jesus covered over your sins with his blood? Do you have other sins, that you are just hanging on to? Read His word. Pray, Ask Forgiveness,
(NIV)
11 But when Christ came as high priest of the good things that are now already here, he went through the greater and more perfect tabernacle that is not made with human hands, that is to say, is not a part of this creation. 12 He did not enter by means of the blood of goats and calves; but he entered the Most Holy Place once for all by his own blood, thus obtaining eternal redemption."
12 For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. 13 Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.
What the writer of Hebrews is telling us, and what John is telling us, and what the Holy Spirit is telling us, is that Jesus's sacrifice is the new way to God.
When Mary looked into the tomb through her tear stained eyes, it was as if she was looking into the Holy of Holies. She saw two angles sitting where Jesus's body had been, and a picture of the Mercy Seat is shown to her, but this time not covered with the blood of animals but covered with the blood of Jesus Christ.
Jesus the Great High Priest
You know we like to think that we come to come to God bringing something. Although the scriptures teach differently, somehow we think it is still up to us. Either we are the smart ones who figured it out, or it is because we are good, or it is because we are bringing the best sacrifice of our time and our effort to God, so now we will be really close to God, but I want to point to something out to you.
14 Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. 15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. 16 Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.
In Jesus Name
It the old Testament, it was the animal that died and the priest that brought the blood to the Mercy Seat. When Jesus died, it was all His sacrifice. When he went to the cross when he suffered and died, we did not have a part. Jesus's death did not really cost you anything.
When Mary comes to the tomb, she doesn't bring anything, not even her understanding. The only thing she brings is her tears. Her tears, because of her lost relationship with Jesus. SO when she finally confronts the fact of Jesus's death by looking into the tomb, God reveals to her the Holy Holies, and she is allowed to see the Mercy Seat of God Almighty.
again,
" There, above the cover between the two cherubim that are over the ark of the covenant law, I will meet with you and give you all my commands:
And , "At this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not realize that it was Jesus.
Jesus came to meet her right there, right where she was, in the middle of her tears, God reaches down and he calls her by name.
.
" (NIV)
16 Jesus said to her, “Mary.”
She turned toward him and cried out in Aramaic, “Rabboni!” (which means “Teacher”).