What emotions might Mary have felt when asked, "Why are you weeping?" Setting the Scene John 20 unfolds in the quiet dawn of Resurrection morning. Mary Magdalene, having already reported the empty tomb to Peter and John, lingers outside: “Mary stood outside the tomb weeping. As she wept, she bent down to look into the tomb, and she saw two angels in white… They asked her, ‘Woman, why are you weeping?’ ” (John 20:11-13). Moments later, Jesus Himself repeats the question (John 20:15). Emotions Mary Likely Experienced • Sorrow and Grief • Shock and Confusion • Fear • Longing • Hope Stirring Beneath the Tears • Awe and Joy (quickly following the recognition of Jesus) Scriptural Insights into Each Emotion • Sorrow and Grief – Her tears reveal the depth of her love for the Lord she believed was still dead (John 20:11). – Isaiah 53:3 foretold the Man of Sorrows; those who loved Him shared in that sorrow (cf. Luke 24:17). • Shock and Confusion – The stone was moved, the body missing—circumstances defied expectation (John 20:1-2). – Mark 16:3-5 records the women’s perplexity at the opened tomb. • Fear – Angelic appearances often evoke fear (Luke 24:4-5). – The possibility of grave robbery or Roman interference could heighten anxiety (Matthew 27:62-64). • Longing – Mary’s repeated use of “my Lord” (John 20:13) exposes a yearning to be near Him, even in death. – Psalm 42:1-2 mirrors this heart-cry: “As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul longs for You, O God.” • Hope Stirring Beneath the Tears – The empty tomb hinted at promised resurrection (John 2:19-22), though not yet fully understood. – Jesus had said, “I am the resurrection and the life” (John 11:25); His words likely echoed in her mind. • Awe and Joy – When Jesus calls her by name, sorrow flips to exultation: “Rabboni!” (John 20:16). – Fulfilled prophecy ignites joy: “You will grieve… but your grief will turn to joy” (John 16:20). Implications for Us Today • Honest tears are not a lack of faith; they often precede deeper revelation (Psalm 56:8). • The risen Christ meets us personally, addressing both our questions and our hearts (Hebrews 4:15-16). • Like Mary, believers move from confusion to clarity when they recognize His voice (John 10:27). |
    |