Christian Age., S. S. Times., S. S. Times John 20:1-10 The first day of the week comes Mary Magdalene early, when it was yet dark, to the sepulcher… I. THE FOLLY OF ALL HUMAN EFFORTS TO PREVENT THE ACCOMPLISHMENT OF GOD'S PURPOSES. The stone had been placed at the mouth of the sepulchre to prevent the fulfilment (Matthew 27:62-66). The Jewish rulers tried to veil their purpose; but it is plain that they looked to the dawning of the third day with anxiety, and that they were determined that, so far as lay in their power, that day should pass away without the event they feared. But their precautions were as vain as all efforts have been to prevent God from carrying out His purpose and fulfilling His promises. II. THE LOVEABLENESS OF THE MAN CHRIST JESUS. He seemed to have led His friends astray (Luke 24:21), yet, instead of joining with His adversaries in condemning Him as a deceiver, they continued to love Him. Had there not been in His character a rare charm, those whom He seemed to have misled so terribly could not have continued to love Him as they did. If after our death we would have all our apparent mistakes forgotten, and our memory cherished, let us live as Christ lived. III. THE SLOWNESS OF THE HUMAN MIND TO RECEIVE GREAT TRUTHS. Of this fact the difficulty which the apostles had in attaching any meaning to our Lord's promises that He would rise on the third day, and in believing in the fact of His resurrection even when it had occurred, is an impressive illustration. This fact should make us patient with those who hold false and foolish views. IV. FULLER LIGHT IS THE REWARD OF FAITH AND LOVE. To the absolutely unbelieving Jews no manifestation of the risen Christ was vouchsafed: and He appeared earliest to those who loved Him most — to Mary and the other women earlier than to any of the apostles. Thus He fulfilled His own word (Luke 8:18). (Christian Age.) So they both ran together. — I. SEEKING A COMMON END. II. ANIMATED BY A COMMON ZEAL. III. CHEERED BY A COMMON BROTHERHOOD. IV. ARRIVING AT A COMMON GOAL. (S. S. Times.) I. A PROPER END. II. A COMMENDABLE PACE. III. A HELPFUL COMPANIONSHIP. (S. S. Times.) Parallel Verses KJV: The first day of the week cometh Mary Magdalene early, when it was yet dark, unto the sepulchre, and seeth the stone taken away from the sepulchre. |
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