August 18, 2017: SOAP #2815: Jeremiah 26, 35-36; John 20

Scripture:  John (NIV) 20:15 “Woman,” he said, “why are you crying? Who is it you are looking for?” Thinking he was the gardener, she said, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will get him.”
16 Jesus said to her, “Mary.” She turned towards him and cried out in Aramaic, “Rabboni!” (which means Teacher).
17 Jesus said, “Do not hold on to me, for I have not yet returned to the Father. Go instead to my brothers and tell them, ‘I am returning to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’”
18 Mary Magdalene went to the disciples with the news: “I have seen the Lord!” And she told them that he had said these things to her.

Observation:    The Risen Jesus appeared to a weeping Mary Magdalene.  She became the first missionary of the risen Christ!  The message Jesus had Mary take to the disciples is well worth mediation.  He was ascending to “my” and “your” Father, to “my” and “your” God!  In my words, a comment in the Jamieson, Fausset, Brown Commentary says, “He is Jesus’ ‘Father’ by eternal relationship, but our ‘Father’ only through Christ.  He is our ‘God’ by creation, but Jesus’ ‘God’ through identifying with us!”

Application:  The One who taught us to pray, “Our Father…” had just carried our/my sins to the cross that we/I might receive forgiveness from Our/My Holy Creator God!

Prayer:   Heavenly Father, “How can I say thanks for all the things you have done for me; things so undeserved, yet you gave to prove your love for me; The voices of a million angels could not express my gratitude; All that I am, and ever hope to be; I owe it all to Thee!” (Andre Crouch) Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!