How does John 20:2 demonstrate the importance of sharing news with others? The Urgent Witness of Mary Magdalene John 20:2: “So she came running to Simon Peter and to the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved. ‘They have taken the Lord out of the tomb,’ she said, ‘and we do not know where they have put Him!’” • Mary’s first instinct after discovering the empty tomb is to run and tell. • Her haste underscores the weight she places on the news. • She goes straight to the core group of disciples, showing discernment about where the message must land first. • The verse paints a literal, historical moment that models spiritual urgency for every believer. What Mary Models About Sharing News • Speed: She “came running,” suggesting that delay can dilute impact (cf. Proverbs 25:25). • Accuracy: She reports exactly what she saw—nothing more, nothing less—demonstrating integrity in testimony (cf. 1 John 1:1). • Community Focus: She seeks out Peter and “the disciple whom Jesus loved,” indicating that news of Jesus is meant for the faith family before it reaches the wider world (cf. Galatians 6:10). • Humility: Mary conveys uncertainty—“we do not know where they have put Him”—showing that sharing news does not require having every answer, only honesty (cf. 1 Corinthians 2:1-2). Scriptural Echoes of Quick Testimony • Luke 2:17: The shepherds “spread the word concerning what had been told them about this Child.” • John 4:28-29: The Samaritan woman “left her water jar” to tell the town about Jesus. • Matthew 28:7-8: The angel commands the women, “Go quickly and tell His disciples.” • Acts 4:20: Peter and John declare, “For we cannot stop speaking about what we have seen and heard.” • 2 Kings 7:9: Lepers finding Aram’s deserted camp say, “What we’re doing is not right. This is a day of good news, and we are keeping it to ourselves.” Why Quick, Faithful Sharing Matters Today • It honors the Lord by treating His works as too important to keep private. • It strengthens fellow believers, as Peter and John were galvanized by Mary’s report. • It protects against rumors or distortions; firsthand accounts establish truth. • It spreads hope; the resurrection is the ultimate good news (Romans 10:15). • It fulfills the pattern God set from Genesis onward—His deeds are to be declared, not hidden (Psalm 96:3). Practical Takeaways • Share promptly whenever God acts; hesitation can mute the testimony. • Speak plainly and honestly, even if some details remain unclear. • Prioritize telling those closest to you in the faith, then let the circle widen. • Let love, not mere duty, propel the message; Mary’s running arose from devotion. • Remember that every believer, like Mary, is entrusted with news that changes everything. |
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