Mary, why do you weep?
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Bible Reading
Bible Reading
Focus will be on John 20:11-18
11 But Mary stood without at the sepulchre weeping: and as she wept, she stooped down, and looked into the sepulchre, 12 And seeth two angels in white sitting, the one at the head, and the other at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain. 13 And they say unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? She saith unto them, Because they have taken away my Lord, and I know not where they have laid him. 14 And when she had thus said, she turned herself back, and saw Jesus standing, and knew not that it was Jesus. 15 Jesus saith unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? whom seekest thou? She, supposing him to be the gardener, saith unto him, Sir, if thou have borne him hence, tell me where thou hast laid him, and I will take him away. 16 Jesus saith unto her, Mary. She turned herself, and saith unto him, Rabboni; which is to say, Master. 17 Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto 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 unto her.
But we need to get see the verses before it.
John 20:1–11 (KJV 1900)
1 The first day of the week cometh Mary Magdalene early, when it was yet dark, unto the sepulchre, and seeth the stone taken away from the sepulchre. 2 Then she runneth, and cometh to Simon Peter, and to the other disciple, whom Jesus loved, and saith unto them, They have taken away the Lord out of the sepulchre, and we know not where they have laid him. 3 Peter therefore went forth, and that other disciple, and came to the sepulchre. 4 So they ran both together: and the other disciple did outrun Peter, and came first to the sepulchre. 5 And he stooping down, and looking in, saw the linen clothes lying; yet went he not in. 6 Then cometh Simon Peter following him, and went into the sepulchre, and seeth the linen clothes lie, 7 And the napkin, that was about his head, not lying with the linen clothes, but wrapped together in a place by itself. 8 Then went in also that other disciple, which came first to the sepulchre, and he saw, and believed. 9 For as yet they knew not the scripture, that he must rise again from the dead. 10 Then the disciples went away again unto their own home. 11 But Mary stood without at the sepulchre weeping: and as she wept, she stooped down, and looked into the sepulchre,
1 The first day of the week cometh Mary Magdalene early, when it was yet dark, unto the sepulchre, and seeth the stone taken away from the sepulchre. 2 Then she runneth, and cometh to Simon Peter, and to the other disciple, whom Jesus loved, and saith unto them, They have taken away the Lord out of the sepulchre, and we know not where they have laid him. 3 Peter therefore went forth, and that other disciple, and came to the sepulchre. 4 So they ran both together: and the other disciple did outrun Peter, and came first to the sepulchre. 5 And he stooping down, and looking in, saw the linen clothes lying; yet went he not in. 6 Then cometh Simon Peter following him, and went into the sepulchre, and seeth the linen clothes lie, 7 And the napkin, that was about his head, not lying with the linen clothes, but wrapped together in a place by itself. 8 Then went in also that other disciple, which came first to the sepulchre, and he saw, and believed. 9 For as yet they knew not the scripture, that he must rise again from the dead. 10 Then the disciples went away again unto their own home. 11 But Mary stood without at the sepulchre weeping: and as she wept, she stooped down, and looked into the sepulchre,
1 The first day of the week cometh Mary Magdalene early, when it was yet dark, unto the sepulchre, and seeth the stone taken away from the sepulchre.
We should not be surprised to see Mary there. She had great love for Jesus. Remember Jesus cast out 7 demons from her.
Take note of the fact it was still dark when she arrived.
2 Then she runneth, and cometh to Simon Peter, and to the other disciple, whom Jesus loved, (John) and saith unto them, They have taken away the Lord out of the sepulchre, and we know not where they have laid him.
3 Peter therefore went forth, and that other disciple, and came to the sepulchre.
4 So they ran both together: and the other disciple did outrun Peter, and came first to the sepulchre. (this is pretty funny - much joy in this passage)
5 And he stooping down, and looking in, saw the linen clothes lying; yet went he not in.
6 Then cometh Simon Peter following him (maybe breathing heavier then John), and went into the sepulchre, (this is fitting for what we know about Peter) and seeth the linen clothes lie,
7 And the napkin, that was about his head, not lying with the linen clothes, but wrapped together in a place by itself. (first clue this was not a robbery)
If the body had been stolen by the Romans then they would have mentioned this as disciples began to preach of the resurrection
Disciples were so convinced all but one of them will die a martyrs death telling this historical truth
Maybe a contrast is being suggested between this story and the one in John 11 where Lazarus came out and needed help removing linens
1 Now a certain man was sick, named Lazarus, of Bethany, the town of Mary and her sister Martha. 2 (It was that Mary which anointed the Lord with ointment, and wiped his feet with her hair, whose brother Lazarus was sick.) 3 Therefore his sisters sent unto him, saying, Lord, behold, he whom thou lovest is sick. 4 When Jesus heard that, he said, This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God might be glorified thereby. 5 Now Jesus loved Martha, and her sister, and Lazarus. 6 When he had heard therefore that he was sick, he abode two days still in the same place where he was. 7 Then after that saith he to his disciples, Let us go into Judaea again. 8 His disciples say unto him, Master, the Jews of late sought to stone thee; and goest thou thither again? 9 Jesus answered, Are there not twelve hours in the day? If any man walk in the day, he stumbleth not, because he seeth the light of this world. 10 But if a man walk in the night, he stumbleth, because there is no light in him. 11 These things said he: and after that he saith unto them, Our friend Lazarus sleepeth; but I go, that I may awake him out of sleep. 12 Then said his disciples, Lord, if he sleep, he shall do well. 13 Howbeit Jesus spake of his death: but they thought that he had spoken of taking of rest in sleep. 14 Then said Jesus unto them plainly, Lazarus is dead. 15 And I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, to the intent ye may believe; nevertheless let us go unto him. 16 Then said Thomas, which is called Didymus, unto his fellowdisciples, Let us also go, that we may die with him. 17 Then when Jesus came, he found that he had lain in the grave four days already. 18 Now Bethany was nigh unto Jerusalem, about fifteen furlongs off: 19 And many of the Jews came to Martha and Mary, to comfort them concerning their brother. 20 Then Martha, as soon as she heard that Jesus was coming, went and met him: but Mary sat still in the house. 21 Then said Martha unto Jesus, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died. 22 But I know, that even now, whatsoever thou wilt ask of God, God will give it thee. 23 Jesus saith unto her, Thy brother shall rise again. 24 Martha saith unto him, I know that he shall rise again in the resurrection at the last day. 25 Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: 26 And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this? 27 She saith unto him, Yea, Lord: I believe that thou art the Christ, the Son of God, which should come into the world. 28 And when she had so said, she went her way, and called Mary her sister secretly, saying, The Master is come, and calleth for thee. 29 As soon as she heard that, she arose quickly, and came unto him. 30 Now Jesus was not yet come into the town, but was in that place where Martha met him. 31 The Jews then which were with her in the house, and comforted her, when they saw Mary, that she rose up hastily and went out, followed her, saying, She goeth unto the grave to weep there. 32 Then when Mary was come where Jesus was, and saw him, she fell down at his feet, saying unto him, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died. 33 When Jesus therefore saw her weeping, and the Jews also weeping which came with her, he groaned in the spirit, and was troubled, 34 And said, Where have ye laid him? They said unto him, Lord, come and see. 35 Jesus wept. 36 Then said the Jews, Behold how he loved him! 37 And some of them said, Could not this man, which opened the eyes of the blind, have caused that even this man should not have died? 38 Jesus therefore again groaning in himself cometh to the grave. It was a cave, and a stone lay upon it. 39 Jesus said, Take ye away the stone. Martha, the sister of him that was dead, saith unto him, Lord, by this time he stinketh: for he hath been dead four days. 40 Jesus saith unto her, Said I not unto thee, that, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God? 41 Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead was laid. And Jesus lifted up his eyes, and said, Father, I thank thee that thou hast heard me. 42 And I knew that thou hearest me always: but because of the people which stand by I said it, that they may believe that thou hast sent me. 43 And when he thus had spoken, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth. 44 And he that was dead came forth, bound hand and foot with graveclothes: and his face was bound about with a napkin. Jesus saith unto them, Loose him, and let him go. 45 Then many of the Jews which came to Mary, and had seen the things which Jesus did, believed on him. 46 But some of them went their ways to the Pharisees, and told them what things Jesus had done. 47 Then gathered the chief priests and the Pharisees a council, and said, What do we? for this man doeth many miracles. 48 If we let him thus alone, all men will believe on him: and the Romans shall come and take away both our place and nation. 49 And one of them, named Caiaphas, being the high priest that same year, said unto them, Ye know nothing at all, 50 Nor consider that it is expedient for us, that one man should die for the people, and that the whole nation perish not. 51 And this spake he not of himself: but being high priest that year, he prophesied that Jesus should die for that nation; 52 And not for that nation only, but that also he should gather together in one the children of God that were scattered abroad. 53 Then from that day forth they took counsel together for to put him to death. 54 Jesus therefore walked no more openly among the Jews; but went thence unto a country near to the wilderness, into a city called Ephraim, and there continued with his disciples. 55 And the Jews’ passover was nigh at hand: and many went out of the country up to Jerusalem before the passover, to purify themselves. 56 Then sought they for Jesus, and spake among themselves, as they stood in the temple, What think ye, that he will not come to the feast? 57 Now both the chief priests and the Pharisees had given a commandment, that, if any man knew where he were, he should shew it, that they might take him.
8 Then went in also that other disciple, which came first to the sepulchre, and he saw, and believed.
9 For as yet they knew not the scripture, that he must rise again from the dead. (this had promised/prophesied throughout the Scriptures and recently by Jesus)
10 Then the disciples went away again unto their own home.
11 But Mary stood without at the sepulchre weeping: and as she wept, she stooped down, and looked into the sepulchre,
You are going to have to stick around to hear the rest of this story.
It is certainly worth the wait.
Pastoral Prayer
Pastoral Prayer
mixed emotions in this room on this day (some ready to rejoice others ready to cry and others between those two extremes)
we believe You have a Word for each and every one of us.
pray we all understand the life-altering significance of the resurrection
Sermon Introduction
Sermon Introduction
Quick review of the first 11 verses before we pick up on our story
Now we have Mary standing looking into a sepulchre
Going to look at this portion of the story of the resurrection in 3 stages
Going to look at this portion of the story of the resurrection in 3 stages
A Confusion about His Presence v.11-14
A Calling that was Personal v.15-16
A Commission that is very Precious v.17-18
Confusion about His Presence
Confusion about His Presence
John 20:11–14 (KJV 1900)
11 But Mary stood without at the sepulchre weeping: and as she wept, she stooped down, and looked into the sepulchre, 12 And seeth two angels in white sitting, the one at the head, and the other at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain. 13 And they say unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? She saith unto them, Because they have taken away my Lord, and I know not where they have laid him. 14 And when she had thus said, she turned herself back, and saw Jesus standing, and knew not that it was Jesus.
11 But Mary stood without at the sepulchre weeping: and as she wept, she stooped down, and looked into the sepulchre,
12 And seeth two angels in white sitting, the one at the head, and the other at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain.
13 And they say unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? She saith unto them, Because they have taken away my Lord, and I know not where they have laid him.
14 And when she had thus said, she turned herself back, and saw Jesus standing, and knew not that it was Jesus.
Mary weeps because she desire the presence of the Lord but He is unable to be found.
Mary weeps because she desire the presence of the Lord but He is unable to be found.
John 20:13 And they say unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? She saith unto them, Because they have taken away my Lord, and I know not where they have laid him.
13 And they say unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? She saith unto them, Because they have taken away my Lord, and I know not where they have laid him.
13 And they say unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? She saith unto them, Because they have taken away my Lord, and I know not where they have laid him.
Mary had a great love for Jesus
Mary had a great love for Jesus
To say her life was a wreck before Jesus was an understatement.
Jesus had caste out 7 demons from her.
It is understandable why when she recognizes Jesus she clings to His feet like a child and doesn’t want to let go.
She didn’t want to imagine life with Him.
Mary was looking in the wrong place for comfort.
Mary was looking in the wrong place for comfort.
She was looking in a empty tomb for something to make her full and complete. John 20:11 But Mary stood without at the sepulchre weeping: and as she wept, she stooped down, and looked into the sepulchre,
11 But Mary stood without at the sepulchre weeping: and as she wept, she stooped down, and looked into the sepulchre,
11 But Mary stood without at the sepulchre weeping: and as she wept, she stooped down, and looked into the sepulchre,
Like the words of Johnny Lee she was “Looking for love in all the wrong places.”
Or as another theologian rightly said, “Our hearts are restless until they find their rest in Thee.”
Mary was weeping because she didn’t recognize the presence of Jesus. While she weeped, He was there.
Mary was weeping because she didn’t recognize the presence of Jesus. While she weeped, He was there.
John 20:14 And when she had thus said, she turned herself back, and saw Jesus standing, and knew not that it was Jesus.
14 And when she had thus said, she turned herself back, and saw Jesus standing, and knew not that it was Jesus.
14 And when she had thus said, she turned herself back, and saw Jesus standing, and knew not that it was Jesus.
Her grief blinded her to His presence
Her grief blinded her to His presence
There are factors such as the time of day that would have made it difficult to recognize the man in the entry way.
Her greatest problem is she was looking to find Jesus standing (sometimes kids can recognize their teacher at the store)
We must respect that she was not ready to move on until she found Jesus.
We must respect that she was not ready to move on until she found Jesus.
She is going to ask anyone she meets if they know where they have taken the body of her Lord
John and Peter have already left because they knew the tomb was empty but didn’t know why. John 20:8-9 Then went in also that other disciple, which came first to the sepulchre, and he saw, and believed. 9 For as yet they knew not the scripture, that he must rise again from the dead.
8 Then went in also that other disciple, which came first to the sepulchre, and he saw, and believed. 9 For as yet they knew not the scripture, that he must rise again from the dead.
I pray this will be the tomb moment for some of you today. You know the tomb is empty. You just don’t know why and the implications it has upon your life. Do not live until you find out. Join a counselor in the Counseling Room this morning.
Hope is what you get when you realize a different worldview is possible!
Hope is what you get when you realize a different worldview is possible!
Mary was weeping because she did not know that God’s greater purposes meant life after death.
Mary was weeping because she did not know that God’s greater purposes meant life after death.
We all have been here before. “How can anything good come from this?”
God is not the author of sin. It was the sinful actions of men that took Him to the cross. But it was His great love and sovereign plan that would take the worst moment in human history and provide our salvation.
Mary had stood outside of the grave where Jesus had cried. Why isn’t crying appropriate now?
Transition: If all you see is an empty tomb, dark days. You life is just filled with confusion and you feel hopeless, stick around the story is not over yet. This is when Jesus enters the story. This is always when Jesus enters the story!
Transition: If all you see is an empty tomb, dark days. You life is just filled with confusion and you feel hopeless, stick around the story is not over yet. This is when Jesus enters the story. This is always when Jesus enters the story!
A Calling that was Personal
A Calling that was Personal
John 20:15–16 (KJV 1900)
15 Jesus saith unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? whom seekest thou? She, supposing him to be the gardener, saith unto him, Sir, if thou have borne him hence, tell me where thou hast laid him, and I will take him away. 16 Jesus saith unto her, Mary. She turned herself, and saith unto him, Rabboni; which is to say, Master.
15 Jesus saith unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? whom seekest thou? She, supposing him to be the gardener, saith unto him, Sir, if thou have borne him hence, tell me where thou hast laid him, and I will take him away.
16 Jesus saith unto her, Mary. She turned herself, and saith unto him, Rabboni; which is to say, Master.
Jesus asks questions to clarify the situation
Jesus asks questions to clarify the situation
Jesus is not asking for his sake. He is asking for Mary’s sake. He is asking for your sake.
Two life altering questions: “Why are you weeping?” And “Whom are You seeking?”
Mary mistakes Jesus for a gardener.
Mary mistakes Jesus for a gardener.
John 20:15 Jesus saith unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? whom seekest thou? She, supposing him to be the gardener, saith unto him, Sir, if thou have borne him hence, tell me where thou hast laid him, and I will take him away.
15 Jesus saith unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? whom seekest thou? She, supposing him to be the gardener, saith unto him, Sir, if thou have borne him hence, tell me where thou hast laid him, and I will take him away.
15 Jesus saith unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? whom seekest thou? She, supposing him to be the gardener, saith unto him, Sir, if thou have borne him hence, tell me where thou hast laid him, and I will take him away.
How wrong but how appropriate?
How wrong but how appropriate?
Jesus gets mistaken for many things today; Good teacher, Social Rights Leader, Example to follow to earn our salvation, the son of Mary
There is such beauty and harmony in Mary asking Jesus if He is the gardener. (I firmly believe so much of this story is to bring joyful laughter to us)
Let me let you in on the greatness of this irony.
4000 years before this in a garden, the first garden, God walks with man
Man sins and is caste out of the garden
Our relationship has been broken. We need to be reconciled to God.
God promises that a child will be born - from Eve (descendents) that would crush Satan (the one who tempted man and woman to sin)
That child was Jesus. He came and destroyed the works of Satan on the cross.
He becomes the substitute for us on the cross.
He has reversed the curse. He has made it possible for us to reenter a Garden type relationship with the Father.
So in some since He was a gardener.
So in some since He was a gardener.
Where the first garden went from life to death.
This garden cemetery is going from a place of death to life.
Jesus called her by her name.
Jesus called her by her name.
John 20:16 Jesus saith unto her, Mary. She turned herself, and saith unto him, Rabboni; which is to say, Master.
16 Jesus saith unto her, Mary. She turned herself, and saith unto him, Rabboni; which is to say, Master.
16 Jesus saith unto her, Mary. She turned herself, and saith unto him, Rabboni; which is to say, Master.
This was all she needed to calm her restless heart
This was all she needed to calm her restless heart
This must be Jesus. He knows me.
Jesus knew more than just her name. He knew everything about her and still went to the cross to take her place.
The Bible tells us in Romans 5:8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
That “us, we, and us” includes you. By name.
If Jesus was here today He could call you by name. “Trent. Why do you weep? What are you looking for?”
Look at what the resurrection secures for us.
Look at what the resurrection secures for us.
John really wants us to get that. You’ll notice He says four things essentially to the disciples. SEE IF YOU CATCH IT
John 20:19 Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you.
19 Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you.
19 Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you.
John 20:21 Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you.
21 Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you.
21 Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you.
John 20:26 And after eight days again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them: then came Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, Peace be unto you.
26 And after eight days again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them: then came Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, Peace be unto you.
26 And after eight days again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them: then came Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, Peace be unto you.
Peace/shalom was a common greeting
Peace/shalom was a common greeting
Comes from Numbers 6
1 And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying, 2 Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, When either man or woman shall separate themselves to vow a vow of a Nazarite, to separate themselves unto the Lord: 3 He shall separate himself from wine and strong drink, and shall drink no vinegar of wine, or vinegar of strong drink, neither shall he drink any liquor of grapes, nor eat moist grapes, or dried. 4 All the days of his separation shall he eat nothing that is made of the vine tree, from the kernels even to the husk. 5 All the days of the vow of his separation there shall no rasor come upon his head: until the days be fulfilled, in the which he separateth himself unto the Lord, he shall be holy, and shall let the locks of the hair of his head grow. 6 All the days that he separateth himself unto the Lord he shall come at no dead body. 7 He shall not make himself unclean for his father, or for his mother, for his brother, or for his sister, when they die: because the consecration of his God is upon his head. 8 All the days of his separation he is holy unto the Lord. 9 And if any man die very suddenly by him, and he hath defiled the head of his consecration; then he shall shave his head in the day of his cleansing, on the seventh day shall he shave it. 10 And on the eighth day he shall bring two turtles, or two young pigeons, to the priest, to the door of the tabernacle of the congregation: 11 And the priest shall offer the one for a sin offering, and the other for a burnt offering, and make an atonement for him, for that he sinned by the dead, and shall hallow his head that same day. 12 And he shall consecrate unto the Lord the days of his separation, and shall bring a lamb of the first year for a trespass offering: but the days that were before shall be lost, because his separation was defiled. 13 And this is the law of the Nazarite, when the days of his separation are fulfilled: he shall be brought unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation: 14 And he shall offer his offering unto the Lord, one he lamb of the first year without blemish for a burnt offering, and one ewe lamb of the first year without blemish for a sin offering, and one ram without blemish for peace offerings, 15 And a basket of unleavened bread, cakes of fine flour mingled with oil, and wafers of unleavened bread anointed with oil, and their meat offering, and their drink offerings. 16 And the priest shall bring them before the Lord, and shall offer his sin offering, and his burnt offering: 17 And he shall offer the ram for a sacrifice of peace offerings unto the Lord, with the basket of unleavened bread: the priest shall offer also his meat offering, and his drink offering. 18 And the Nazarite shall shave the head of his separation at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, and shall take the hair of the head of his separation, and put it in the fire which is under the sacrifice of the peace offerings. 19 And the priest shall take the sodden shoulder of the ram, and one unleavened cake out of the basket, and one unleavened wafer, and shall put them upon the hands of the Nazarite, after the hair of his separation is shaven: 20 And the priest shall wave them for a wave offering before the Lord: this is holy for the priest, with the wave breast and heave shoulder: and after that the Nazarite may drink wine. 21 This is the law of the Nazarite who hath vowed, and of his offering unto the Lord for his separation, beside that that his hand shall get: according to the vow which he vowed, so he must do after the law of his separation. 22 And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying, 23 Speak unto Aaron and unto his sons, saying, On this wise ye shall bless the children of Israel, saying unto them, 24 The Lord bless thee, and keep thee: 25 The Lord make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee: 26 The Lord lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace. 27 And they shall put my name upon the children of Israel; and I will bless them.
People would greet with is saying “May the peace of God be with you”
Here we are hearing so much more. Listen carefully please.
John, more importantly the Holy Spirit, wants us to understand that now that Jesus has risen from the dead, He is the perfect, final High Priest. His death has dealt with sin forever. Like the symbolic sacrifice of the lamb to make atonement for the sin of the people on the altar in the temple, because Jesus has died, our alienation, our enmity against God, has been removed. We are reconciled to Him. He has made peace, and so He can give peace.
Jesus is all the proof that was needed that life was worth living.
Jesus is all the proof that was needed that life was worth living.
She will likely cling to his feet.
Jesus is not saying He cannot be touched. John 20:17 Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God.
17 Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God.
Jesus invites Thomas to touch His hands.
John 20 is not an invitation to a blind leap in the dark. Is it? It is not an invitation to make-believe.
1 The first day of the week cometh Mary Magdalene early, when it was yet dark, unto the sepulchre, and seeth the stone taken away from the sepulchre. 2 Then she runneth, and cometh to Simon Peter, and to the other disciple, whom Jesus loved, and saith unto them, They have taken away the Lord out of the sepulchre, and we know not where they have laid him. 3 Peter therefore went forth, and that other disciple, and came to the sepulchre. 4 So they ran both together: and the other disciple did outrun Peter, and came first to the sepulchre. 5 And he stooping down, and looking in, saw the linen clothes lying; yet went he not in. 6 Then cometh Simon Peter following him, and went into the sepulchre, and seeth the linen clothes lie, 7 And the napkin, that was about his head, not lying with the linen clothes, but wrapped together in a place by itself. 8 Then went in also that other disciple, which came first to the sepulchre, and he saw, and believed. 9 For as yet they knew not the scripture, that he must rise again from the dead. 10 Then the disciples went away again unto their own home. 11 But Mary stood without at the sepulchre weeping: and as she wept, she stooped down, and looked into the sepulchre, 12 And seeth two angels in white sitting, the one at the head, and the other at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain. 13 And they say unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? She saith unto them, Because they have taken away my Lord, and I know not where they have laid him. 14 And when she had thus said, she turned herself back, and saw Jesus standing, and knew not that it was Jesus. 15 Jesus saith unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? whom seekest thou? She, supposing him to be the gardener, saith unto him, Sir, if thou have borne him hence, tell me where thou hast laid him, and I will take him away. 16 Jesus saith unto her, Mary. She turned herself, and saith unto him, Rabboni; which is to say, Master. 17 Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto 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 unto her. 19 Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you. 20 And when he had so said, he shewed unto them his hands and his side. Then were the disciples glad, when they saw the Lord. 21 Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you. 22 And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost: 23 Whose soever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whose soever sins ye retain, they are retained. 24 But Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came. 25 The other disciples therefore said unto him, We have seen the Lord. But he said unto them, Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe. 26 And after eight days again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them: then came Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, Peace be unto you. 27 Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing. 28 And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God. 29 Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed. 30 And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book: 31 But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.
John is saying that this is an account of what we really saw and touched and heard. This is eyewitness testimony that rings with the crystal clear notes of historical fact. Jesus is not dead! He lives! He lives!
Transitional Statement: There is many evidences of an empty tomb today. The meaning of the resurrection is a theological matter, but the fact of the resurrection is a historical matter. The implications are very much a personal matter!
A Commission that is very Precious
A Commission that is very Precious
John 20:17–18 (KJV 1900)
17 Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto 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 unto her.
17 Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto 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 unto her.
Mary goes from confusion to commissioned.
Mary goes from confusion to commissioned.
Jesus says “I am going to the our father” you need to “go to my brethren”
That peace Mary has is supposed to be taken to others. John 20:21 Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you.
21 Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you.
21 Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you.
Such a special opportunity to share an incredible truth.
Such a special opportunity to share an incredible truth.
Can you imagine with me? “Jesus is risen and He wants you to know that He will ascend to OUR FATHER!.”
Mary is the one that Jesus chose to share the news with the other disciples.
Look at the wording of this message “my brethren” and “my Father and your Father” and “my God and your God”
First time we are called brothers in John. How did we become brothers who were once friends and once slaves? How did we become brothers?”
The cross made us brothers.
This is not just a expression of endearment. This is our new reality.
Romans 8:16 (KJV 1900)
16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:
16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:
How did this happen? Gal 3:26 For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.
26 For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.
26 For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.
Transitional Statement: So I ask you today. Why are you weeping? Who are looking for? Jesus is alive and is calling your name. Will you respond in faith to him today. Let’s rejoice and run with this message out of there.
Transitional Statement: So I ask you today. Why are you weeping? Who are looking for? Jesus is alive and is calling your name. Will you respond in faith to him today. Let’s rejoice and run with this message out of there.
Conclusion
Conclusion
Mary will take this message to them and they will not believe. But later that evening John 20:20 And when he had so said, he shewed unto them his hands and his side. Then were the disciples glad, when they saw the Lord.
20 And when he had so said, he shewed unto them his hands and his side. Then were the disciples glad, when they saw the Lord.
20 And when he had so said, he shewed unto them his hands and his side. Then were the disciples glad, when they saw the Lord.
Just as Jesus calling our to Mary was personal so must our reponse be. It doesn’t matter what your family belies. Until you believe in the resurrected Christ would never respond as the disciples did.
We must say with all believers around the world today ‘If Jesus is not risen, nothing else matters. If Jesus is risen, nothing else matters.’”
He is risen
so need for confusion today
respond to His personal calling for you today for salvation
become obedient to his commission on our lives
Mary took off running. She made it to a group of confused people and it altered the course of their life. This message has been running and find you today. Respond to it. If you say you have already found the peace in this message. Then take it and run.