May 14
Bible Reading: John 20:11-18
John 20:11, “But Mary stood weeping outside the tomb, and as she wept she stooped to look into the tomb.”
One can only imagine the horror of her day-to-day existence. It wasn’t just that she was demon possessed, but that she was possessed by seven demons (Luke 8:2). We read in the gospel accounts of the plight of others who were similarly afflicted—tormented, self-abusive, ostracized, hopeless and helpless. The devil’s own emissaries were working to make her life as miserable as possible. And there was absolutely nothing she could do to change all that. But that all changed when she met Jesus. He delivered Mary from all her demons, and she henceforth devoted herself to following and serving Him.
She was one of a group of women who ministered to Jesus and the disciples, providing for their physical needs—food and clothing and such (Luke 8:1-3). How glad she must have been to serve the One who had set her free from tyranny. She followed Jesus all the way to the cross (John 19:25). She witnessed His death. She would be the first to bear witness to His resurrection.
But in our verse, we find her weeping, not yet made aware of the joyous truth of Jesus’ resurrection. Twice she is asked: “Woman, why are you weeping?” (John 20:13,15). Her tears ushered forth from her broken heart, but her heart was misinformed. Jesus was not dead, but alive! The One who had once delivered her from the domain of darkness had Himself triumphed over death and the devil. The empty tomb is a fountain of hope for broken hearts and teary eyes. Jesus has won the victory over all that troubles us in this world. Having ascended to the right hand of God, He even now intercedes on our behalf. He’s coming again and will bring us to a place of ultimate triumph, where there will be no more tears! Some tears might very well be averted if we but turn our eyes to the One who died for our sins and rose from the dead!
Jesus lives! The truth of His resurrection is a fountain of hope in this sin-weary world.
HE LIVES
I serve a risen Savior, Hes in the world today;
I know that He is living, whatever men may say;
I see His hand of mercy, I hear His voice of cheer, And just the time I need Him, Hes always near.
He lives, He lives, Christ Jesus lives today!
He walks with me and talks with me
A-long lifes narrow way.
He lives, He lives, salvation to impart!
You ask me how I know He lives?
He lives within my heart.
In all the world around me I see His loving care,
And tho my heart grows weary, I never will despair;
I know that He is leading thro all the stormy blast,
The day of His appearing will come at last. [Refrain]
Rejoice, Rejoice, O Christian, lift up your voice and sing
Eternal hallelujahs to Jesus Christ the King!
The Hope of all who seek Him, the Help of all who find,
None other is so living, so good and kind. [Refrain]
LookingtoJesus 