It’s No Reason to Cry

A. Resurrection Sunday Is a Day to Rejoice

1. Christ arose! He is Lord! (Rom. 1:4)

2. Christ arose! Our salvation is sure (1 Cor. 15:17–20)

3. Christ arose! We shall rise also (1 Cor. 15:20–23)

B. But on That First Morning Mary Magdalene Was Weeping (v. 11)

Why was she crying. Her hope was gone. Jesus had changed her life, and now He was gone.

This Mary of Madala at one time had seven demons tormenting her from within. She also had other illnesses. But Jesus healed her and cast out all seven demons (Luke 8:2)

John 20:11 NKJV

11 But Mary stood outside by the tomb weeping, and as she wept she stooped down and looked into the tomb.

1. Why tears on this day of triumph?

2. Mary’s tears and how Jesus dried them

C. Mary’s Journey from Sorrow to Service

Mary’s Depression (vv. 11–13)

John 20:11–13 NKJV

11 But Mary stood outside by the tomb weeping, and as she wept she stooped down and looked into the tomb. 12 And she saw two angels in white sitting, one at the head and the other at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain. 13 Then they said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping?” She said to them, “Because they have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid Him.”

1. Mary went to the tomb to anoint the body of Jesus

2. When she arrived, the tomb was empty and Jesus was not there

3. She had expected the worst

a. She had come to do the work of an undertaker

b. Her spices for anointing show her pessimism

c. Now her discovery seems to confirm her doubts

4. Many, like Mary, are defeated by their doubts

a. Did a dark cloud follow you into the service?

b. Are you filled with anxiety?

c. Do you believe in Christ but doubt His power?

5. Angels question Mary: “Why weepest thou?” Why indeed?

a. Mary doubted the Lord’s promise

b. Mary doubted the Lord’s power

c. Mary doubted the Lord’s presence

6. Mary’s tears were needless. Christ had risen!

a. Are you worrying over things that will not happen?

b. Trade your fears for faith and rest in the risen Christ

Mary’s Devotion (vv. 14–16)

John 20:14–16 NKJV

14 Now when she had said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, and did not know that it was Jesus. 15 Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?” She, supposing Him to be the gardener, said to Him, “Sir, if You have carried Him away, tell me where You have laid Him, and I will take Him away.” 16 Jesus said to her, “Mary!” She turned and said to Him, “Rabboni!” (which is to say, Teacher).

1. Mary may have felt the cross and the loss more than others

a. She had been delivered from seven demons (Mark 16:9)

b. “Seven” shows she had been completely under their power

c. Christ had set her free!

2. The Lord’s question: “Woman, why are you weeping?”

3. Mary turns and sees Jesus but does not recognize Him

4. Sometimes deep emotion blinds us to the presence of Jesus

a. Deep depression: so sad we do not see Him

b. Deep anger: so mad we do not see Him

c. Deep joy: so glad we do not see Him

5. “They have taken away my Lord”

a. If this had been true, tears would have been timely

b. But no one can do this (John 10:28–30)

6. Jesus speaks: “Mary.” Mary responds: “Master.”

Mary’s Direction (vv. 17–18)

John 20:17–18 NKJV

17 Jesus said to her, “Do not cling to Me, for I have not yet ascended to My Father; but go to My brethren and say to them, ‘I am ascending to My Father and your Father, and to My God and your God.’ ” 18 Mary Magdalene came and told the disciples that she had seen the Lord, and that He had spoken these things to her.

1. “Go to my brethren” (first time addressed as brethren)

2. Mary is given a mission to carry out for Jesus

3. What is God telling you today?

4. Life is good when we give ourselves to the work of Christ

Conclusion

A. Invitation to Discouraged People to Come to Jesus

B. He’s Alive! Trust Him and Move from Tears to Triumph