Jesus is Essential
John 20:11–13: But Mary stood outside by the tomb weeping, and as she wept she stooped down and looked into the tomb. 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. 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.”
Jesus’ first resurrection appearance was to Mary of Magdala, out of whom He had cast seven demons. The disciples returned to their homes while Mary remained outside the tomb crying. John must not have yet told her that Jesus was risen. He probably was too stunned and puzzled to say anything significant. Mary looked into the tomb and saw two individuals who were angels.
In the Bible when angels appeared to people, the angels looked like men; they did not have halos or wings. In certain visions, winged beings appeared but the norm for angels was that they were in humanlike forms. Because of her grief Mary did not notice anything unusual. Their question and her answer set the stage for the greatest “recognition scene” in all of history, perhaps the second greatest is “I am Joseph.” The appearance of Jesus to Mary was so unexpected that she did not realize that it was Jesus. 1
Walking with Jesus
Is Jesus hidden in your life? Do others see the life of Christ living in you? Do you sometimes wonder where the Lord is in the midst of your current troubles? Jesus proved He was right there with Mary. Be encouraged. Jesus is with you right now, and He will carry you through whatever difficulties you are facing.
Then Joseph said to his brothers, “I am Joseph; does my father still live?” But his brothers could not answer him, for they were dismayed in his presence. Genesis 45:3
The Lord is always present, especially when we are feeling all alone.
Praying
Lord, thank You for showing us how much You comfort our brokenness.
1. Walvoord, John F., & Zuck, R. B., Dallas Theological Seminary. (1985). The Bible Knowledge Commentary.
