Words for the Grieving

But Mary stood weeping outside the tomb, and as she wept she stooped to look into the tomb. And she saw two angels in white, sitting where the body of Jesus had lain, one at the head and one at the feet. They said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping?” She said to them, “They have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid him.” Having said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing, but she did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?” Supposing him to be the gardener, she said to him, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away.” Jesus said to her, “Mary.” She turned and said to him in Aramaic, “Rabboni!” (which means Teacher). (John 20:11-16 ESV). Mary Magdalene was one of the most devoted followers that Jesus had. Luke's Gospel tells us that she and others ministered to Him out of "their substance," which simply means that she financially supported Him. She traveled with Him. She wanted to be near Him. She wanted to hear Him. She had the courage to stand at the foot of the cross when most of the disciples were in hiding. Imagine how her heart broke at His crucifixion. She was the last at the cross, and early Sunday morning, she was the first at the tomb. She was not there to see a risen Lord, but to anoint His dead body. She came with grief and sorrow, not joy and hope. Jesus came to her in the midst of her sorrow. Looking at this wonderful inclusion to the resurrection story leads us to understand that Jesus comes in the same way to the grieving person today. Perhaps you feel desperate in your own grief. You may feel the loss of someone you love. It may be a loss of position or finances. You could be grieving at the loss of relationship in your family. Perhaps you are facing divorce or a child who has walked away from your love. Whatever the cause, you are grieving. The good news is that things can change. Things may look their darkest today. Can I tell you that husband or wife may return? That prodigal child may come back to you. And as a believer, you will again see that Christian loved one who has died. The key is in the truth that no matter what your circumstances, Jesus will be there with you. He may resolve your circumstances immediately; or your problems may continue. But you never will be alone. That is the message of the resurrected Lord to us. He knows what we are going through. He understands. And He cares. Trust Him!