Seeing or Recognizing?
John 20:1-18
Many people are looking for something, or someone, to make a difference in their lives. They try to fill an empty void with possessions, power, money and success. They do not recognize that Jesus is the only one who can fill that void; He is the one for whom they are looking.
During a recent hotel stay, the fire alarm went off early one morning. When I realized what was happening, I jumped up and headed out. As I got to the door, I remembered the hotel key on the bedside table. I retrieved it and started to leave. Several times that cycle was repeated as I looked for my purse, shoes and work items I felt I needed. At times I was literally turning in circles. I found that I was not very good in a crisis – at least not that one! At times, I didn’t know what I was looking for.
Many people respond to life crises in the same way – they do not know what they are looking for. As believers, we can help them to find the One who can bring them through these crises.
Mary Magdalene (who had been healed of demon possession), Peter and John (the disciple Jesus loved) all went to the tomb, and did not find what they expected. Jesus’ body was gone.
They entered the tomb and found the grave clothes undisturbed. Adding this to the empty tomb, resurrection seemed more possible. Scripture tells us that John “saw and believed.” He did not understand everything, but he believed that Jesus had been resurrected.
Too many people believe they must understand everything about Jesus before they trust Him as Savior. That is impossible to do, and it minimizes the faith element that is so important in a relationship with Jesus.
After Peter and John left, Mary encountered two angels who asked why she was crying. Mary did not yet embrace the idea of resurrection. Then she met someone else. Although she had spent many hours with Jesus, she did not recognize Him until He called her by name. When He did, she knew who He was! Other than calling Him “Teacher!” we do not know exactly how she responded. We do know Jesus told her to share the good news, which she did.
It is important for seekers to understand who Jesus is, so that they may respond appropriately. Believers must share the good news of Jesus and His salvation – so that seekers may understand who He is.
Salvation is a gift offered freely to everyone – everyone! Jesus called Mary by name, and He gently, yet urgently, calls every person into relationship with Him. It is up to them to respond – to decide if He is the One they have been seeking all along.
Register– Lessons in the BSL series for the winter quarter are being written by Laurie Register, executive director-treasurer of Woman’s Missionary Union, SCBC.