Chapter 27- The Resurrection
Since I have the book on Kindle, I am not sure which page to reference, but one of the most tender, kind, loving moments in the Bible occur when Mary is at Jesus' tomb. The event takes place in the 20th chapter of John.
Mary is weeping at the empty tomb of her rabbi, friend and comforter. The very person who had raised her brother from the dead in the not-to-distant past. Jesus, a kind, gentle man who loved all. I can only imagine how sorrowful and lost those who spent time with Christ must have felt after his death. Not only did the Jewish establishment conspire to have Jesus put to death, now someone had desecrated his grave! That must have been the last emotional straw for Mary.
Angels spoke to Mary. Still tears. Jesus addressed his grieving friend. She confused the Messiah for the gardener. Still tears. It was only when Jesus spoke her name that Mary to recognized her friend and savior. Tears turned to laughter. Sorrow turned to joy. Death turned to life.
I can close my eyes and imagine the scene. Christ softly speaks Mary's name. Perhaps with a slight lift of his eyebrows. A gentle voice full of love, acceptance and comfort. Mary's face went from grief to unbelief to realization to unspeakable joy! She wanted to cling to Christ. Hold him. He told her "no" but to go and tell others.
He uses that same gentle, loving voice to call to each of us during times of abject sorrow and despair. Angels can't provide that comfort. Sunday school class members, although well meaning, are not able to sooth and calm. But Jesus can. His voice can turn tears to laughter. Insomnia to sleep. Pacing to peace.
Side Note: Jesus' first conversation after his resurrection was a directive to go and tell others about his victory over the grave. He didn't waste any time before encouraging evangelism.
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