Insightful Musings on the Scriptures
by
Raymond P. Sparre
Northwest University class of '67
Good morning, special people..
Clear and cold again. I beheld that big fat moon early this morning when I did the walk from the house to the studio. It melted me again to take it all in—the extravagant display of infinite space—pondering the precision with which the earth in relation to the moon, stars, and planets all work together to form a universe—along with the recognition of David’s insight as expressed in Psalm 8:3-4—humbled with the compelling evidence that the Sovereign Maker over it all is interested in this little speck of sand on the shore of time. These thoughts flow well with revisiting the experience of Mary in the Garden—who was temporarily content to be in search for a dead Jesus—then discover that He was not only alive, but interested in her personally. Awesome stuff. It sure curbs my eagerness to move from here to expounding on how big and wonderful I am.
Lots on the list. Becki has just imposed some time restraints. Time to move.
Blessings on your day.
Love, Dad/Ray.
I’m choosing to give some attention to Jesus’ words to Mary Magdalene. First, I note that He initially addresses her by the impersonal name for a mature human female—“Woman” (v.15). It was like she was a stranger to Him. He not only allowed that implication, I think He intended it.
Then He asks two questions:
- “Why are you crying?” Of course Jesus knew exactly why she was crying. But He raises the question to help her objectively examine for herself the real cause for her subjective anguish.
- “Who is it you are looking for?” Again, Jesus knew full well who she was looking for. But I think He was helping her to focus on the WHO part of the question. Was she just looking for a dead man?—a man she had previously hoped and trusted to be the Messiah?—but now represented huge disappointment, having allowed himself to be so shamefully murdered? Did she have any recollection of Jesus’ promise made to Martha back in chapter 11—a statement that Mary Magdalene very likely heard for herself? “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?” (John 11:25-26).
Mary doesn’t even try to answer those questions—she’s much too consumed by her dismal circumstances and emotional stress to be thinking very clear—UNTIL Jesus speaks again. All He said was, “Mary.” He spoke her name—HER name! Suddenly lights came on. This IS Jesus! Jesus IS alive! He IS NOT dead! He KNOWS me! He knows ME! He KNOWS my past, my struggle, my pain, my shame, my present, my future—He knows it all! And He knows that HE IS MY ONLY HOPE!
Here’s what I believe Jesus wants to say to you as much as to me—He wants to say, “_____________.” (Fill in your own name.) He wants to be a PERSONAL Savior and Lord.