Life Anew From a Garden Tomb
At this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not realize that it was Jesus.
He asked her, “Woman, why are you crying? Who is it you are looking for?”
Thinking he was the gardener, she said, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will get him.” – John 20:14-15, NIV
As has been the case in the past on the blog, I think rather than more words about John 20 from me, I will let you “hear” some of the commentary quotes that landed with me as I prepared for yesterday’s message. Then, I will leave you with some great songs to worship our Risen King. Hope you enjoy!
“Although the impulse of His love urged Him at once to the company of His own upon the earth, who are still in the sorrow of death; yet He does not overwhelm them with sudden surprise at his glorious reappearance, but restrains Himself, yields Himself to their view by degrees, regulated by the highest wisdom of love.” – Stier
“The sovereignty of God comes out here most vividly and blessedly in the character of the one selected to have the high honor of being the first to gaze upon the triumphant Redeemer. It was not to the Eleven, not even to John, that Christ first showed Himself; it was to a woman, and she the one out of whom He had cast seven demons- one who had been the complete slave of Satan.” – AW Pink
“Let us pray for more faith and patience, and allow more time for the development of God’s purposes: let us believe that things are often working together for our peace and joy, which seem at one time to contain nothing but bitterness and sorrow.” – J.C. Ryle
“As it was the trade of the first Adam to dress the Garden of Eden, so is it the trade of the last Adam to tend the Garden of His Church: He digs up the soil by reasonable affliction; He sows in it the seeds of grace; He waters it with His Word.” – Bishop Hall
“It is possible for Jesus to be present, and yet for a man not to recognize him until his word goes home to him.” – Bultmann
“All the love and faith and joy of which her illuminated heart and mind were capable were poured into that word: “Teacher!” The Shepherd had called his sheep by name, and the sheep heard and and joyfully responded (John 10:3).” – George Beasley-Murray
Songs for worship and reflection:
Morning Has Broken/Sing Hallelujah