John 20:11-31
Wednesday, 5 January 2022
But these have been written in order that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that through your faith in him you may have life. -John 20:31[GNT]
This portion of Scripture depicts the brave attempt of a woman who went to the tomb where Jesus was buried, during the early hours of the day while it was still dark. It is not normal even for men to visit any tomb in the dark but her commitment for her Lord and Saviour put in her enough courage to do it.
Being a lady Mary Magdalene knew very well that this move might invite public accusations. But still Mary pressed on because of her ardent love for the Lord Jesus. She had received the forgiveness through grace. And now it is appropriate for her to reciprocate the love and passion toward her Lord. She is an example of a thankful life. She was miraculously healed by Jesus when he drove seven demons out of her (Luke 8:2). This freedom prompted her to stand under Christ’s Cross even when all disciples except John, fled the scene. She was more eager to believe and obey rather than to doubt and question. Jesus honored her faith by entrusting her with the first message of resurrection.
The Resurrection of Jesus is the key factor in Christian faith. Christ Jesus rose from the dead as He had foretold. His resurrection proves that death is not the end and we have a life after death and the resurrection power is available for all who believe, to bring our spiritual deadness back to life. Ephesians 1:18-20 is a prayer for us: “…the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead…”
It’s a time to reflect on our lives too- each of us who is saved, knows how much we have been forgiven- the debt of sin, cancelled by the precious blood of Christ shed on Calvary! Many of us are testimonies of how the living Lord can transform degenerate, dead and broken lives into vibrant and purposeful ones! How are we expressing our gratitude for the forgiveness and grace we enjoy today? Luke 12: 48 says “For everyone to whom much is given, from him much will be required; and to whom much has been committed, of him they will ask the more.”
Towards the end of this chapter we see a doubting Thomas, the disciple who wasn’t willing to believe until he saw the resurrected Jesus and touch Him. But he didn’t linger on in his doubt, instead he allowed Jesus to bring him to belief and he exclaimed: “My Lord and my God!” (V.28). This one to one encounter with the Lord transformed a doubting disciple into a powerful witness! Later Thomas served the Lord as the other disciples did.
In John 20:16 we see Jesus calling Mary by her name. Today too Jesus calls your name and is knocking at the door of your heart. Will you allow Him to enter? Will you like Mary, regard Him as your Lord and share the good news of His resurrection and grace with others?
To Ponder: He lifted me out of the pit of despair,
out of the mud and the mire.
He set my feet on solid ground
and steadied me as I walked along.
He has given me a new song to sing,
a hymn of praise to our God.
Many will see what he has done and be amazed.
They will put their trust in the LORD.
(Psalm 40:2-3)
Listen: ‘Sing Hallelujah to the Lord’
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