Connect John 20:15 with other instances of Jesus comforting the grieving. Setting the Scene at the Empty Tomb John 20:15 – “Jesus asked her, ‘Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?’ Thinking He was the gardener, she said, ‘Sir, if You have carried Him off, tell me where You have put Him, and I will get Him.’” Mary Magdalene stands in raw sorrow. The risen Lord meets her grief with a gentle question that draws her out of despair and into recognition. Parallel Moments of Comfort in Jesus’ Ministry • Luke 7:13–15 – Facing a widow’s funeral procession: “When the Lord saw her, He had compassion on her and said, ‘Do not weep.’ … He said, ‘Young man, I tell you, get up!’ ” • Mark 5:38–42 / Luke 8:52 – Inside Jairus’ home: “He said, ‘Stop your weeping; she is not dead but asleep.’” Then He takes the girl’s hand and restores her. • John 11:33–35 – At Lazarus’ tomb: “When Jesus saw her weeping … He was deeply moved in spirit … Jesus wept.” Shared tears precede the command, “Lazarus, come out!” • Luke 24:36–39 – To frightened disciples after the resurrection: “Peace be with you. … See My hands and My feet, that it is I Myself.” • John 14:1–3 – Before the cross: “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in Me. … I go to prepare a place for you.” Common Threads in Jesus’ Comfort • Personal presence – He draws near to the hurting, not waiting for them to find Him. • Compassionate words – “Do not weep,” “Peace,” and the probing “Why are you weeping?” invite honest emotion while directing eyes to Him. • Power over death – Every scene moves from mourning to life, previewing or displaying resurrection authority. • Revelation of identity – Whether by a miracle, a name spoken (“Mary!” in John 20:16), or showing His wounds, He anchors comfort in who He is. • Call to witness – Grief turned to joy becomes testimony: Mary is sent to the disciples (John 20:17); the widow’s village glorifies God (Luke 7:16); many believe at Lazarus’ raising (John 11:45). Implications for Today’s Disciple • Jesus still meets believers at the point of their tears, addressing sorrow without rebuke. • His resurrection guarantees that every grief will ultimately yield to life and joy. • Comfort received becomes comfort shared (2 Corinthians 1:3–4); the pattern seen in Mary, the widow, Martha, and the apostles now continues through the church. |
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