3/31/24 - Easter at Illuminate - Pastor Jason Fritz

"Then the disciples went back to their homes. But Mary stood weeping outside the tomb, and as she wept she stooped to look into the tomb. And she saw two angels in white, sitting where the body of Jesus had lain, one at the head and one at the feet. They said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping?” She said to them, “They have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid him.” Having said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing, but she did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?” Supposing him to be the gardener, she said to him, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away.” Jesus said to her, “Mary.” She turned and said to him in Aramaic, “Rabboni!” (which means Teacher). John 20:10-16

 

 

 

Notice the question Mary is asked twice - "Why do you cry?" I was told by a very wise man to pay attention to what makes me laugh and what makes me cry. Laughter reveals a light heart, sorrow reveals a heavy burden. Jesus was Mary's friend and she wants to pay respect at his tomb. However, he’s not there and she is devastated. She carries a heavey burden when Jesus speaks.

 

"Why are you crying?"

The angels asked the same question out of curiosity. They probably thought, “This earth creature should know Jesus is alive, so why is she sad?” Jesus asked the question out of compassion. He loved Mary, and His heart was moved by her tears. “Why are you crying?” He knew the answer, but He wanted her to come to the realization of what was happening.

You know why Mary cried? Because she had yet to receive the message of Easter. When people die they don’t come back. The good news of Easter was about to hit her like a ton of bricks. She hears the voice of Jesus and recognizes him. He is alive! The good news of Easter is that because Jesus came back from death, we also will live after death. Jesus said this very thing to his disciples in John 14:19, "Yet a little while and the world will see me no more, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live." Ancient tombs carried the stench of death. But Jesus' tomb carried the aroma of life. 

“Why are you crying?”

 

Jesus recognizes human pain and loss. He experienced it himself. His good friend Lazarus died and Jesus shows up and sees everyone weeping and the tears start to flow down his face. Jesus knows what’s causing your pain. He just wants you to admit the point of your pain because once you see it you can begin to address it.

We all battle sorrow. You may be hurting from the loss of a loved one. You may be struggling because of a recent diagnosis you or someone you love has received. There may be some relationship you are grieving. Your eyes may be filled with tears because of problems with your children or grandchildren. The list is endless, but Jesus sees your pain and cares about your suffering. In fact, he died and rose again to help you see beyond the heartache to the joy of what lies ahead - eternal life.