Jesus came. John 20:11-29 The doctrine of the resurrection of Christ leaves only two choices: To believe that Jesus rose from the dead without questioning the reality of the event, or to be closed to the truth, deny it, and try to explain it away. Comprehending the resurrection has a variety of responses. Some say it is a fairy tale; it is impossible. Others want to check out the facts but remain puzzled because they have presented themselves positively to the world in the lives and faith of millions of people for nearly 2000 years. Still, others accept the fact of the resurrection of Jesus in faith by accepting Jesus personally. When we believe in the bodily resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ, our faith and commitment to Him increase daily and lead us to understand the reality of His presence with us. That reality is experienced today and every day.
The key to the Christian faith is that He rose as He promised and will accomplish all He has promised. The living Christ is the ruler of God’s kingdom, and every believer in Jesus as their own personal Savior is a citizen. We can be certain of our resurrection because of His resurrection. "Because He lives, we shall live also." The power that brought Jesus back to life is available to us. The resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ is the basis of the Church’s witness to the world. Every Christian's hope in life and death is Christ's resurrection.
“MARY!” John 20:16. “Jesus saith unto her, ‘Mary!’ she turned and saith unto Him, ‘Rabboni!’ which is to say, ‘Master!’’’ Mary was coming to the tomb – no more waiting or wondering. The first day is here – the third since He died. He had said three days and three nights in the grave would be the only sign given to doubters. There was no time to waste – this was no time to wait; darkness would soon be gone, and the waiting time was over. Sometimes, it is hard to see with both the mind and eye, but it was real; the stone was rolled away. Then, the day dawned in the mind and eye, and Mary saw the empty space! Mary was running; the other believers must be told. Is it really true? He is taken away – no sign to see now. Where is He – I want to see! Where to turn next; who can help? Please! These tears won’t stop outside the empty tomb.
Bending, looking, and wondering two in white are easily seen through tears. One is at the head, the other at the feet of where Jesus’ body was laid. Mary sees the grave clothes between them, and she is still weeping – I want to know: now, where He’s gone – my Lord’s gone. Where is He? The two in white ask why the tears, and she turns away. Another is here and asks why and who she seeks. Why are you weeping? What reason can there be for such grief? Blind eyes are opened by His voice, His word, and His tone giving spiritual eyesight. It is He – the Master, He speaks again! Mary sees the feet and hands – her heart is full of joy and gratitude.
Mary’s speaking – she has news and joy. Her message is clear - He is alive. His message is clear – I ascend to My Father and your Father; to My God and your God. We are still in this together. We are not done – tell all He said. He spoke; He appeared; Mary was right. He is in the midst – He shows the evidence. Mary sees His face – she is glad - and so am I!