Ascension - Day 01
Day 01: Monday, April 10
Read John 20:11-31
Highlight
The apostle John tells us that after he went to investigate the empty tomb, he returned to his home confused. (John 20:4-10) But Mary Magdalene lingered and encountered the risen Jesus. It is certainly odd that Mary didn’t immediately recognize Jesus even though she had spent years with him at this point. There are several explanations, including that she was just exhausted from the shock and grief of the last few days. However, as we will read over the next few days, there are several people who don’t recognize Jesus at first and the only explanation in those instances appears to be Jesus miraculously making himself hidden to their eyes. The power of the scene is not in Jesus being hidden from Mary’s eyes, but rather the moment that she recognizes him. The moment is simple rather than dramatic: he simply says her name.
Jesus describes himself as “the good shepherd” in John 10. In that description, he describes his intimate relationship with his own, saying, “The sheep hear his voice, and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes before them, and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice.” John 10:3-4 Mary knows the voice of her Savior, and all it takes is hearing him call her by name and there can be no doubt of who He is.
Jesus’ reaction can seem harsh if we forget the tenderness of our Good Shepherd. He tells her not to cling to him. But his reason is simple: it isn’t time for him to ascend yet. In other words: you will have more time with me. So don’t try to keep me for yourself, but instead go share the good news with our brothers and sisters.
Reflection
Every passage in the Bible, including the one you just read, is “...inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right.” 2 Timothy 3:16
Prayer
Let the passage we just read guide your prayers. Use the acronym ACTS.
Adoration - Praise God for the truth this passage communicated about him.
Confession - Confess to God the thing that this passage showed you is wrong in your life.
Thanksgiving - Thank God for what this passage taught you was true about you and for the ways He is already helping you to do what is right.
Supplication - Ask God for help to do what this passage teaches to do and accomplish the good works he has for you.
Read John 20:11-31
Highlight
The apostle John tells us that after he went to investigate the empty tomb, he returned to his home confused. (John 20:4-10) But Mary Magdalene lingered and encountered the risen Jesus. It is certainly odd that Mary didn’t immediately recognize Jesus even though she had spent years with him at this point. There are several explanations, including that she was just exhausted from the shock and grief of the last few days. However, as we will read over the next few days, there are several people who don’t recognize Jesus at first and the only explanation in those instances appears to be Jesus miraculously making himself hidden to their eyes. The power of the scene is not in Jesus being hidden from Mary’s eyes, but rather the moment that she recognizes him. The moment is simple rather than dramatic: he simply says her name.
Jesus describes himself as “the good shepherd” in John 10. In that description, he describes his intimate relationship with his own, saying, “The sheep hear his voice, and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes before them, and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice.” John 10:3-4 Mary knows the voice of her Savior, and all it takes is hearing him call her by name and there can be no doubt of who He is.
Jesus’ reaction can seem harsh if we forget the tenderness of our Good Shepherd. He tells her not to cling to him. But his reason is simple: it isn’t time for him to ascend yet. In other words: you will have more time with me. So don’t try to keep me for yourself, but instead go share the good news with our brothers and sisters.
Reflection
Every passage in the Bible, including the one you just read, is “...inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right.” 2 Timothy 3:16
- What in this passage did the Spirit bring to light for you?
- What are you going to do in your life to respond to this passage?
Prayer
Let the passage we just read guide your prayers. Use the acronym ACTS.
Adoration - Praise God for the truth this passage communicated about him.
Confession - Confess to God the thing that this passage showed you is wrong in your life.
Thanksgiving - Thank God for what this passage taught you was true about you and for the ways He is already helping you to do what is right.
Supplication - Ask God for help to do what this passage teaches to do and accomplish the good works he has for you.
Posted in Easter 2023