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MY GOD, AND YOUR GOD

Text: John 20
20 April 2025

A MOVING EASTER STORY

One of the most moving Easter stories is that of the Lord Jesus manifesting Himself to Mary Magdalene.

11 But Mary stood outside by the tomb weeping, and as she wept she stooped down and looked into the tomb. 12 And she saw two angels in white sitting, one at the head and the other at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain. 13 Then they said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping?”

She said to them, “Because they have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid Him.”

14 Now when she had said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, and did not know that it was Jesus. 15 Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?”

She, supposing Him to be the gardener, said to Him, “Sir, if You have carried Him away, tell me where You have laid Him, and I will take Him away.”

16 Jesus said to her, “Mary!”

She turned and said to Him, “Rabboni!” (which is to say, Teacher).

17 Jesus said to her, “Do not cling to Me, for I have not yet ascended to My Father; but go to My brethren and say to them, ‘I am ascending to My Father and your Father, and to My God and your God.’ ”     John 20:11-17

  1. Tears of Mary

She had come to the Tomb of the Lord Jesus

But the Tomb was empty

Tears came when her heart was gripped by fear and sorrow

She believed that enemies had taken away the body of her Saviour

Her heart was terribly torn!

  1. Turning around

a) Blinded by her tears she did not recognize the Risen Lord

b) Only when the Lord revealed Himself did she comprehend that her Saviour had risen from the dead!

  1. A teaching that was profound

A great and profound teaching was given to Mary Magdalene.

Jesus said to her, “Do not cling to Me, for I have not yet ascended to My Father; but go to My brethren and say to them, ‘I am ascending to My Father and your Father, and to My God and your God.’’     John 20:17

a) The Father of the Lord Jesus is our Heavenly Father

b) The Mighty God who raised the Lord Jesus from the dead is our God

May this Easter bring forth a renewed faith in the Lord our God!