A Personal Encounter

N.T.#459 "A Personal Encounter"

Jan. 7, 2025 

Mark16-Part 2 

LET IT GLOW 

Have you had a personal encounter with Jesus? today's lesson informs us a woman who did. Read on, dear one.

Who was the first one to witness the resurrected Jesus Christ? That privilege was given to Mary Magdalene because of her unreserved dedication. Her Lord had delivered Mary from 7 devils. 

We read of the personal encounter she had with the Risen Jesus in John 20:11-18:

• She was weeping, grieved, sorrowful, so much so that Mary doesn't recognize Jesus standing in the tomb with her. 
• Mary stooped down and looked into the empty tomb.
• She wants to know where the Lord's body is lying so she can complete the embalming process. 
• This happened after Peter and John ran to the garden and tomb, then left. 
• This good woman, loving and faithful woman, spoke with the Risen Savior, yet she didn't recognize Him at first. 
• Jesus asked Mary why she was weeping. It was like a rebuke for her as if to question her weeping when she should have been rejoicing. Her tears would be turned to gladness. 
• Woman, why weepest thou? Whom seekest thou? Jesus asked Mary Magdalene.
• When Mary recognized Jesus and calls Him Rabboni, Master.

LET IT GROW

In John 20, there are some insights to Jesus and Mary's relationship:

• Like any woman seeing the loved one she thought was dead, Mary must have hugged Jesus.
• The Greek word for Touch Me not  is haptomai,  which means to cling to or to take hold of.
• Christ told Mary to stop clinging to Him, because, by doing so, she kept the Lord there with her. His destination was to go to the Father. 
• Mary recognized Jesus' voice. 
• Jesus gave Mary a mission-go tell the brethren what she had seen and heard, that He ascended into heaven. (Falwell)

Do we cling to Jesus in our time of need? He will not turn us away.

Whom do we seek in our hour of need? Are we seeking Jesus? Seek and ye shall find. Mary's heart was set on finding Christ. Is our heart belonging to Jesus?

Friend, do you have a personal relationship with Jesus?

Mary recognized Jesus' voice. Christ's sheep know His voice. (John 10:4)

The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart. (Ps. 34:18)

Jesus ascended to His Father and our Father, to His God and our God. (verse 17)

As Christ ascended into heaven, so will believers when He calls us home to sit with Him in heavenly places. (Eph. 2:5-6)

Are we telling others that Jesus is risen from the grave?

LET IT GO

The angels and saved souls ae praising our Risen Savior in heaven.

Holy is the Lord! Holy forever!

All creation will one day sing His praises.