Jesus Revealed Pt. 19 - He Has Risen!Sample

Jesus appears to Mary first  

Thoughts on the Passage

Jesus appears to Mary first.

We do not know why. It could have just been His compassion for her. She was the first person at the tomb – she struggled with understanding what happened. He may have just come to help her through her grief. I think it was more than that. I think Jesus was honoring her as well. Jesus knew her heart and was honoring her for her faithfulness, her unwavering devotion and her love for Jesus. 

Jesus instructed Mary to not cling to Him – that is different than touching (Thomas was instructed to touch Jesus hands and side). Mary was seeing Jesus for who He was – the man who came to die for the sins of the world. Somehow, she did not see Jesus for who He now had become – the risen Saviour., the Messiah King. 

It is easy to hang on to what is comfortable and what we know and love. It is hard to release that to receive what God has for us. 

Jesus has a task for Mary as well. Go and tell the disciples. That is a privilege that Jesus gave to her. She would be His spokesman to the disciples to declare the good news of His resurrection – and His returning to the Father. That was an amazing privilege. And it was given to a woman – who was just a faithful follower.

Application

Am I clinging to a Jesus that did amazing things for me in the past – but He wants me to move on to a new and greater relationship with Him?

Jesus has given all of us the privilege to be His spokesman. Where has He called me to do it?

Time to Pray

Father, there are times when I want to hold tightly to the great things that You have done for me and been to me. They are great things – but they are yesterday’s blessings. Today You have something for me that is new and different. It will open my heart to things that yesterday did not reveal. Father, it is so easy to be happy with what You gave – and really not want to move forward with Jesus. Give me a heart to be willing to take Your hand and walk with You – and not cling to the past. In Jesus’ name, Amen.