Words of Hope Daily Devotional

A Grieving Friend

Read: John 20:11-18

Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?” (v. 15)

The triumphant Jesus, newly resurrected from the grave, had the greatest news to share since the dawn of time. He was alive! This was “the joy that was set before him,” the reason why he had “endured the cross, despising the shame” (Heb. 12:2). Who would learn of his resurrection first? The disciples? His unbelieving brother, James? His mother? Jesus chose to show himself first to an unconsolable friend who wept at his grave with a broken heart.

We know very little about Mary Magdalene. She was from the city of Magdala in Galilee, and she had once been possessed by seven demonic spirits. Imagine the hell that was her life before Jesus had cast these evil spirits out of her. Mary loved him so much; her beloved “Rabboni” had delivered her and saved her soul. She had stood by the cross of Jesus when he died, and all her hopes seemed to die too. Now, three days later, she saw the empty tomb and wondered: Where was Jesus? He was so close—actually standing beside her, but she was weeping and distraught. She didn’t recognize Jesus until he spoke her name: “Mary” (v. 16). As her despair turned to joy, Jesus gave her a task: to spread the news of his resurrection to his friends.

Her message was simple: “I have seen the Lord” (v. 18). What message has he given you to share with the world?

As you pray, ask God to help you spread the good news about Jesus.

Laura Sweet

Laura N. Sweet is a wife, mother, grandmother, and former Christian school teacher from Midland, Michigan. She writes devotional material for both adults and children, and her work has appeared in more than a dozen publications.