John 20:1-10 The first day of the week comes Mary Magdalene early, when it was yet dark, to the sepulcher… I. MARY GOING TO THE SEPULCHRE. The picture exhibits. 1. Fidelity of love. Last at the cross, first at the tomb., (1) She clings to Christ while others have left Him. (2) She holds to Him although He was in the lowest stage of His humiliation. She was not with the crowd who shouted Hosannah. Fine weather Christians are more numerous than Magdalenes. (3) She avails herself of the first opportunity to seek Him. Love is an early riser 2. The courage of love. "When it was yet dark." Darkness creates fear; but perfect love casteth out fear. 3. The liberality of love. She brought spices to anoint Christ's body. (1) She gives her quota although others had given before. True love never asks, "To what purpose is this waste?"(2) She gives to Jesus because Jesus had given to her before. "We love Him because He first loved us." II. MARY AT THE SEPULCHRE. This picture exhibits — 1. The mistake of love (ver. 11) — "Weeping" The sepulchre was empty, for Jesus had conquered, and heaven was full of joy. 2. The reward of love — (1) She finds Jesus — "They that seek Me early shall find Me." (2) She finds Him better than she expected; instead of a dead Christ a living Saviour. 3. The appreciation of love (ver. 16) — (1) She thinks highly of Him — "Rabboni." (2) She wants to embrace Him more lovingly than ever. 4. The propagandism of love (ver. 18). Christian missions — love eager to let the world know its Saviour. (T. Morgan.) Early, when it was yet dark. — I. REGARDLESS OF PERSONAL COMFORT. II. ANIMATED BY HOLY LOVE. III. APPOINTED TO HIGHEST HONOUR. (S. S. Times.) I. EARLY SEEKING. II. JOYFUL FINDING. (S. S. Times.) Parallel Verses KJV: The first day of the week cometh Mary Magdalene early, when it was yet dark, unto the sepulchre, and seeth the stone taken away from the sepulchre. |
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