Jesus understands

A Very Happy Easter to you and your  family!          

Scripture/Bible: Now on the first day of the week Mary Mag'dalene came to the tomb early, while it was still dark, and saw that the stone had been taken away from the tomb. 2 So she ran, and went to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved, and said to them, "They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid him." 3 Peter then came out with the other disciple, and they went toward the tomb. 4 They both ran, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first; 5 and stooping to look in, he saw the linen cloths lying there, but he did not go in. 6 Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb; he saw the linen cloths lying, 7 and the napkin, which had been on his head, not lying with the linen cloths but rolled up in a place by itself. 8 Then the other disciple, who reached the tomb first, also went in, and he saw and believed; 9 for as yet they did not know the scripture, that he must rise from the dead. John 20:1-9

Reflection:  Facts of the situation; Mary Magdalene observed that the stone had been taken away from the tomb.

If this is what is observed then where and how did she cook up this story; "They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid him.", and to add further credence to her story she has this to say; “and WE do not know where they have laid him."  Where does that WE come from when it was she who saw it? It doesn’t matter; there is scope for change to those who have experienced his mercy.  

But what about Peter, at least he should not have reacted the way he did; after all he was one of the apostles of Jesus.  His reaction of running to the tomb, along with the beloved disciple showed how worked up they were and their lack of faith in God.  He had still not learnt from his earlier action of cutting Malchus’ ears (Jn. 18:10), that Jesus does not require his type of service, even though it was spiced with a special zeal.

But look at these from another eye or view point; Both Mary Magdalene and Peter’s action reveal a great love and zeal for the master.  Their love is seen even in death even though it is still a human way of loving the master.  What would they have done if the body of Jesus was really taken away and kept elsewhere? How long would they have struggled to find and restore it?

This is how they thought; human efforts and human solutions to solve divine problems!

God knows that our human reason and judgments will always fail in knowing him, his ways and plans. Hence in Jesus he has given us a hope; no matter what our limitations and weaknesses, whether intellectual or spiritual, we can begin with knowing and loving the person of Jesus and then if need be grow in Knowledge and discernment in knowing his ways.  In believing in Jesus and his love is our salvation.

Prayer:  Thank you Lord for making it easy for people like us who know our limitations and weaknesses and are so easily condemned by the ones who consider themselves perfect.

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