-March 5, 2023-
Good morning, happy Lord’s Day,
“Now when she had said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, and she did not know that it was Jesus. 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.’ Jesus said to her, Mary!’ She turned and said to Him, ‘Rabboni!’ (Which is to say, Teacher)”
(John 20:14-16).
What an amazing scene at the tomb of Jesus! Mary Magdalene loved Jesus so much and devotedly followed Him. He had delivered her from demon possession, seven demons to be exact. She loved much because she was forgiven much. She was the last person at the cross and the first one at the tomb. In the previous verses we see her standing outside the tomb weeping. Then she saw two angels where the body of Jesus had been laid.
She thought someone had come and taken away His body. Just then she turns around and sees Jesus standing there but doesn’t recognize Him. She wasn’t alone in this. The two disciples on the road to Emmaus thought He was a stranger, and the disciples who went fishing with Peter did not recognize Him either. I believe God prevented them from recognizing Him at this time. Later, He came and stood before the disciples and showed them His hands and side. They were glad when they saw the Lord.
John 20:18 says, “Mary Magdalene came and told the disciples that she had seen the Lord, and that He had spoken these things to her.” He had told her, “Do not cling to Me, for I have not yet ascended to My Father; but go and tell My brethren and say to them, ‘I am ascending to My Father and Your Father, and to My God and Your God.” What a great privilege and responsibility she had to bring the message of joy of the risen Savior to the sorrowing disciples.
How about us? Do we recognize Jesus for who He is: the Son of the living God, our Lord and Savior? Many today mistake Jesus for just being a good man, a great teacher, a respected religious leader. When one comes to the realization of who Jesus really is, their life is never the same again! One day we will see Him seated at the right hand of God. We will see and be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. (See 1 John 3:1-3). John describes seeing Jesus in Revelation 1:12-16 in stunning and powerful detail.
May the Lord help us to see the Lord Jesus today, to hear His voice, and worship Him. Let us remember His death on the cross for our sins and His glorious resurrection. Have a blessed Lord’s Day. Stay safe and healthy.
Recognizing the Lord Jesus for who He is and what He has done for us,
Dean
Dean Allen's Daily Devotional 