Swhw Bible Reading Plan: AprilSample

Top Takeaway from Liz Patton:

When I read these chapters in John, I get literal goosebumps.  First of all, can I just say right here that I love so much that it was a woman who was the first to arrive at the tomb of Jesus?!  A woman whose passion and purpose caused her to rise early, while it was still dark, and make that journey to the tomb of her Savior. 

Just picture for a moment that you are Mary Magdalene. Put yourself in her shoes (or sandals).  Imagine arriving at the tomb, realizing that the stone had been removed from the entrance and that it was EMPTY!  No Jesus!

I find it so fascinating how John describes what they find inside the tomb: “He saw the strips of linen lying there, as well as the burial cloth that had been around Jesus’ head.  The cloth was folded up by itself, separate from the linen.” John 20:6b-7

Don’t you think it’s an interesting detail for John to specifically mention that the burial cloth was folded up by itself, separate from the linen?  Me too!  So I did a little digging, and there is actually A LOT of cool research to support the importance of this detail!  

It was a known Hebrew tradition that when the master was finished eating, he would toss his napkin on the table, which was a signal for the servant that he could clear the table.  The wadded-up napkin meant, “I’m done.”  However, if the master folded his napkin instead, the servant knew not to touch the table because the folded napkin meant, “I’m coming back.”

How fun is that?!  Jesus IS coming back!!  And perhaps He folded up the burial cloth to symbolize this beautiful promise!

The other part of this Scripture that tugged at my heart was when Jesus asked Mary why she was crying.  To simply look at Jesus, Mary didn’t recognize Him and instead assumed He was the gardener. But when Jesus said her name, she immediately recognized His voice and cried out, “Rabboni!” which means teacher.

As I read that, the Spirit gently tugged at my heart and made me ask myself, “Have I spent enough time with Jesus that I would recognize His voice if He called my name?”

I know from experience that the more time I spend with Him, reading His Word, talking with Him, worshipping Him, intentionally looking for and noticing His blessings, and living in gratitude, the closer I feel to Him and the more I’m able to hear His still, small voice.  

So on this Good Friday and every day moving forward, let’s purpose in our hearts to spend more time with Jesus so that we are able to hear Him when He calls. Let’s spend time with Him so that we can be like Mary and say, “I have seen the Lord!” (John 20:18).

Dear God, thank You for Your Word.  Thank You that every single detail and word has a purpose and a meaning for our lives.  Thank You for sending Your perfect Son to this earth, Who was willing to die for our sins.  Thank You that because of His resurrection, we get to spend eternity in heaven with You.  We want to spend so much time with you today that we recognize Your voice when You speak.  We are fully surrendered and fully Yours.  We love You.  In the precious name of Jesus, Amen.