321. The First Evangelist!

John20:11-18

Key Verse: Jesus said to her, "Mary."

John 20:16A

I often ask myself, how would I have felt if it had been me in that garden instead of Mary? How would it have felt to go from the depths of despair to the heights of joy in the time it takes to say just one word? How would it feel to actually hear Jesus say my name, MY name, not just "hi," or "How's it goin'?", but my name, in love.

And try to picture this, Mary is speaking to and angel, her back to the tomb entrance and from behind her a figure approaches. The angel sees him and starts to smile. But Jesus, smiling a big smile, puts his finger to his lips to signal, "Don't say anything."

I'm sure that Jesus knew the effect His encounter with her would have. Yet He asked, "Woman, why are you crying?" (John 20:15) Surely He knew, but in His compassion He chose to show sympathy and care. It was a conversation starter before the shock and surprise that His next words would bring.

The beginning of our story began in such a small way. First, only another Mary, Jesus' Mother, knew of the miracle that was taking place inside of her. Then, Elizabeth and Joseph learned. At His birth, only shepherds were invited, but they could not contain their joy at the good news that their hope had become tangible.

Now, in the garden, that hope was not only tangible, but realized, though only Mary Magdalene new of it for sure. Just as the shepherds went to tell the good news, now Mary is sent by Jesus to spread the good news so that the dawn can come and the Son can rise to a glorious new day!

I wonder how hard it was for Mary Magdalene to leave Him behind as she ran in obedience to find the disciples. She had had an exclusive, Jesus, all to herself, but Jesus didn't allow it to last. Now was not the time for resting. Now was the time for spreading the good news that death had been swallowed up in victory. He had risen indeed.

Now is not our time for resting either. Now is our time for working in the vineyard telling others the same message that was Mary's to share. Solomon says it this way: "Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might, for in the grave, where you are going, there is neither working or planning or knowledge or wisdom." (Eccl. 9:10) He could have added, "or witnessing to others and bringing them to Christ." As Mary was sent quickly to proclaim, "Christ is risen," and not allowed to stay, selfishly alone with Him, we too must be about His business. If we are faithful and obedient in doing what He asks, we will experience that garden moment for ourselves.

We will enter into our rest, with Him. He will greet us as an individual. He will say our name and then, I pray that He will say, "Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your Master's happiness." (Matt. 25:23) Then the work will be over. We will have done all that we can do for Him on this earth. While we can continue to worship and serve Him and enjoy His presence, as I'm sure Mary longed to do, there will be no more opportunity to bring more souls to Him.

Paul was able to say at the end of His very busy and fruitful life, "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for His appearing." (2 Tim. 4:7-8) May we be included in that desire. May we be busy about our Master's business so that we have that same hope of Paul and Joy of Mary Magdalene's on the glorious day of first fruits, our day of resurrection.

Hymn: "In the Garden"

Also: ""Rise Again," Dallas Holmes, "The Easter Song: by Second Chapter of ACTS