Rev Ian C Hutton (Moderator)
As we approach another Easter the extraordinary depth and meaning of the resurrection of Jesus is captured in a verse in John’s gospel where Mary Magdalene realises that Jesus has risen from the dead.
John 20:16 16 Jesus said to her, “Mary.” She turned toward him and cried out in Aramaic, “Rabboni!” (which means Teacher).
The earlier ministry of Jesus miraculously changed Mary’s life when He cast out 7 demons that had possessed her (Luke 8:2). She was at the crucifixion and knew that Jesus had died. Early on the Sunday morning while it was still dark she went to the tomb where they had laid the body of Jesus and she found the tomb opened and empty other than the linen clothes that were wrapped around Jesus and the face cloth that had been on the head of Jesus. Mary remained at the empty tomb weeping and distraught that Jesus body was gone.
She saw Jesus standing there in the garden not realising it was Him – thinking it was a gardener. Then Jesus spoke her name – Mary – she suddenly realised who it was and called Him “Rabboni!”
One word opened her eyes – she realised in that instant that the one who had rescued her in life – given her new life; the one who had died on a cruel cross for her sins – was indeed alive. He had defeated death and risen from the dead. Only One person could pronounce her name in that way with that voice – in her own language. How could she process all of that in the moment. Mary Magdalene was truly devoted to Jesus – and now there He was – alive again. The only word she can mutter is “Rabboni” which means ‘master’ – but used only relatively rarely. Mary is enthralled by a restored relationship with the living Jesus.
There are many things happening here – the miracle of the resurrection, that death has been defeated, that the cost and debt of sin has been paid for, that there is no more to pay, that all who belong to Christ are raised with Him, that the power of God which raised Jesus is the same as that which brings us to be a new creation in Christ and that Jesus is alive today and will one day return to reign and every knee shall bow to Him. But it also shows the compassion of Jesus. At the very moment when Mary was at her lowest in the depths of despair, when all hope had vanished, Jesus spoke to her. Bishop JC Ryle (1816 – 1900) has this to say about this encounter:
“The boundless compassion of our Lord Jesus Christ to His believing people comes out wonderfully in this verse. He can be touched by the feeling of our infirmities. He knows how weak our bodily frame is and how much excessive sorrow can unnerve and stupefy our minds. He can pass over much darkness of understanding, much slowness of comprehension, when He sees real, genuine, hearty, bold, persevering, thorough love to Himself and his person. We see this prominently brought out in His dealing with Mary Magdalene, when He revealed Himself to her. He graciously pardons her forgetfulness of His oft-repeated declaration that He would rise again after His death, pities her deep sorrow and abundantly rewards her love. These things are written for our learning. Jesus never changes.”
No matter how weak or frail you may feel may you know the love and compassion of the Lord Jesus in the face of your needs. May this Easter remind you afresh that Jesus is alive today and still knows your every need. Jesus said: 28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30