By: Juliet Constantine

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.” (John 20:15)
 

Six days before Jesus’ crucifixion, Mary anointed Him for His burial. Some persons were upset at her unashamed action of love and gratitude. Judas hypocritically wanted the expensive ointment to be sold and the proceeds given to the poor. Peter on the other hand, not realizing that who the Lord forgives more love him more, was offended because Jesus allowed this ex-prostitute to anoint his feet and wipe it with her hair. Yet, she was the first one to reach His graveside after His burial.

She might have waited, impatiently, for the Sabbath to end; then had a sleepless night as she rose early in the morning, while it was still dark, to go and embalm Jesus’ body. She was willing, eager and sincere in wanting to do the best for her Savior. But she was unprepared for the surprise that awaited her. He was not there! Fear filled her heart as she hastily recede her steps to warn the others. “The stone was rolled away and He was not there” she may have wailed. They all felt that Jesus’ body was removed and hidden.

After the others had returned to their homes, Mary stood alone outside the tomb crying. She refused to leave. She saw two angels sitting where Jesus was laid, yet she did not realize that they were angels. Her tear blinded eyes were filled with sorrow for her missing Master. She wanted answers. The man she thought was the gardener asked her: “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?“ In her tears, she did not realize she was face to face with the risen Jesus. Her tears not only blinded her eyes but affected hear hearing as she did not recognize His voice – the voice that she knew so well. Imagine her joy when Jesus said: “Mary!” Recognition returned and her sorrow turned to joy.

There are times in life when our problems seemed to crushed us; when all we can do is cry, and cry, and cry some more. Like Mary Magdalene, even though we have often sat at Jesus’ feet, yet in the time of testing we sometimes forget the lessons learnt. We allowed our troubles to cloud out the view of our Master, of our hope and dreams. In the face of our storms, we weep thinking it’s all over, that there’s no way out. Just as how Jesus called out to Mary, so He’s calling out your name. He’s calling your name saying, “Weep no more, I am not dead!”

Wipe your eyes, dry your tears. The sun still shines and the Son of Righteousness will shine through for you. Weeping is only for the night, but joy comes in the morning. The Son brings light and joy, hope and peace. Wipe your eyes and see hope standing in front of you. Wipe your eyes and listen with your heart. Listen because He’s calling your name. He is assuring you that it won’t be long. You don’t need to cry anymore. He will fix it for you. Our God will make a way. So, why are you still weeping? There’s hope in the Lord. There’s hope in King Jesus. There’s hope in God. Dry your tears. He’s calling your name.

Dear God, only You know and understand the pain and hardships that we bear. Only You understand the tears we cry. We thank You for the hope You imparts. Please help us in the midst of our struggles that we will remember Your words and take comfort that it won’t be long. Thank you for hearing and answer our prayers, I pray, in Jesus’ name.

 

Copyrighted by Juliet Constantine 2014 (for “Alone With God – Finding Jesus In The Scriptures” Daily Devotional)