Q: Why Are You Weeping?

Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking? John 20:15

The risen, but yet unrecognized Jesus Christ asked this question to Mary Magdalene. Now she'd just answered this question for a couple of angels. She told them it was because the body of Jesus was gone. She answers Jesus with a request to tell her where the body was. Mary grieved because her brain was locked on the limits of her own experience. Jesus' questions invited her to rethink things.

Why are you weeping?
Jesus had died, a brutal torturous death, and Mary had stayed until that last dreadful moment. She worshipped Him and after two days of 'this CAN'T be happening', there was no body. There was no place of reflection, no tangible memorial to go to for comfort.

But there was.

Whom are you seeking?
Mary was searching for a dead Jesus. She never expected to find a risen Christ. In her grief, she limited God's abilities, and discounted His promises. She assumed this Savior was just like her, only better, more righteous and godly.

But He wasn't.

Mary wept because she missed the truth about who Jesus IS. Not just a man, righteous enough to call himself the Son of God, but GOD HIMSELF, utterly different from us, unbound by the constraints of time, space or even physical life.

Do we grieve because we don't grasp who Jesus is? Are we seeking a dead rabbi or a risen Lord? It makes a difference.