Jesus is Essential
John 20:14–17: Now when she had said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, and 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). 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.’ ”
As Mary cried “Rabboni,” she apparently threw her arms around Jesus. But Jesus cautioned her to not cling to him. He wanted her to realize that a new relationship was in the process of being established. The comfort that awaited Mary and her friends was far more substantial than his material presence could ever give. Christ appeared first to one who in the culture of the time was oppressed, a woman who had known great sin. What a great comfort it should be to us that Christ always comes first to the poor in spirit.
That truth will never change. How must Mary have felt at that moment? She had been on an emotional roller coaster for days, and now she was deliriously at the top. Off she went on another cross-country run to the disciples. It must have been very satisfying to say to the disciples, “Peter, John, men,—I’ve seen Jesus!” 1
Walking with Jesus
Jesus would welcome your desire to cling to Him. How can you hold to Him in FAITH? How can you hold on to Him in HOPE? How can you hold on to Him in LOVE?
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 5:3
People can still see Jesus today, when we live our life for His glory.
Praying
Lord, thank You for upholding me everyday through Your unfailing love and intercession.
1. Hughes, R. K. (1999). John: that you may believe. Wheaton, IL: Crossway Books.
