A Couple Questions

Mary was standing outside the tomb crying, and as she wept, she stooped and looked in. She saw two white-robed angels, one sitting at the head and the other at the foot of the place where the body of Jesus had been lying. “Dear woman, why are you crying?” the angels asked her. “Because they have taken away my Lord,” she replied, “and I don’t know where they have put him.” She turned to leave and saw someone standing there. It was Jesus, but she didn’t recognize him. “Dear woman, why are you crying?” Jesus asked her. “Who are you looking for?” She thought he was the gardener. “Sir,” she said, “if you have taken him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will go and get him.” “Mary!” Jesus said. She turned to him and cried out, “Rabboni!” (which is Hebrew for “Teacher”). [John 20.11-16]

I originally thought I would write something about Jesus calling Mary's name and the significance of a name (see What's In A Name?). But then something else stood out to me...

Jesus asked Mary a couple of questions:

1. “Dear woman, why are you crying?”
2. “Who are you looking for?”

Here is another classic example of God asking a question, not for the answer Himself, but so the person being asked the questions would realize they know the answer!

I can't even begin to comprehend all the meaning to these two questions that Jesus asked Mary. However, I can say this: they are important questions!

Suffice it to say, these two questions might well be asked today if Jesus were to appear to any one of us in our respective circumstances. “...why are you crying?” or “Who are you looking for?” 

The thing is, if He asks us either question, we can immediately understand "He" is present and that "He" is the answer!

May we always hear His voice and understand that His presence is more than enough for our every circumstance, need, or emotion. 

Have you ever heard the Lord call your name?

Father, I want to always be attentive to Your voice. I want to constantly be reminded that You are the answer to my every question - and certainly the solution to my every problem. I want to be so focused on You that I can hear You call my name... and in that moment, realize all is well.