Woman, why are you crying? they [the angels]asked her.
She answered, "They have taken my Lord away,
and I do not know where they have put him!"
Then she turned around and saw Jesus standing there; but she did not know that it was Jesus.
Woman, why are you crying? Jesus asked her. Who is it that you are looking for?
John 20:13-15 GNT
Girlfriends, have you ever been completely certain about where something is located for which you are looking? But then when you get to that place, the thing which you seek is not there? Panic starts to rise along with your blood pressure, yet you are positive you are scanning the exact spot where it should be.
Have you seen my keys?
I cannot tell you how many times I have found myself in this situation. Perpetually running late, I have sought my keys on the rack in the laundry room. Alas, they are not hanging on the hook. Frantically, I begin scouring the area, then my purse, my coat pockets, and my tote bags before I resort to screaming to anyone in the house within earshot. "Has anyone seen my keys? I need to leave like five minutes ago. Help me!" Of course, no one knows where they are. Depending upon the present level of hormones, tears often accompany the agitation.
On any given day, substitute the word "cell phone" in place of "keys" and start the story at the beginning. Or "my purse". Or, most recently on spring break vacation, "credit card." The scenario plays out just about the same every time! And the funny thing is, most of the time, the item I seek is exactly in the place I left it. I am staring right at it. I just don't recognize it. I feel relieved when I find it, yet also silly for not recognizing what is in front of my face.
Where Have They Put Him?
After the Sabbath ended that first Easter weekend, Mary Magdalene went to the tomb where she knew Jesus should be. Alas, instead she encountered an empty tomb, and in her distress, she cried. The angels of the Lord were present and asked her, "Woman, why are you crying?" Yes, Girlfriends, our sister in Christ also cried when she could not find what she was looking for.
She answered, "They have taken my Lord away, and I do not know where they have put him!"
Ladies, can you feel her confusion, dismay, and fear? Can you just hear the thoughts racing through her mind? I know how alarmed I become over lost keys, but Mary could not find her Savior whom she dearly loved. She knew He should be there because she witnessed the placement of His body in the tomb after the crucifixion:
Joseph bought a linen sheet, took the body down, wrapped it in the sheet, and placed it in a tomb which had been dug out of solid rock. Then he rolled a large stone across the entrance to the tomb. Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joseph were watching and saw where the body of Jesus was placed. Mark 15:46-47
What happens next is amazing:
Then she turned around and saw Jesus standing there; but she did not know that it was Jesus. Woman, why are you crying? Jesus asked her. Who is it that you are looking for? John 20:14-15
The Jesus whom Mary sought was exactly where He should be. Isn't that how it goes, girls? He was right there with her all the time, yet she did not see Him. Her blinded emotions took over and sent her into a frenzy for no reason. Her Savior had not left her and in fact, He spoke to her by name:
Jesus said to her, “Mary.” She turned and said to him in Aramaic, “Rabboni!” (which means Teacher). John 20:16
Girlfriends, my prayer for you today is that you will hear Jesus calling your name. I pray your eyes will be opened to the presence of the living, risen Savior who longs to be in relationship with you. He is exactly where He is supposed to be: with you! If you have been frantically searching for His peace, His love, His joy, and His assurance of salvation, take a breath and wipe away your tears. Find Him waiting with open arms, ready to hold you. I pray your will respond just as Mary Magdalene: Teacher! He saved her from her sinfulness and taught her the way of everlasting life. Jesus longs to do the same for you. The One you have been looking for has been here the whole time...
ALIVE: Mary Magdelene by Natalie Grant
