Sacrificing our Rights (1 Corinthians 9)

What rights do we have? What rights was Paul willing to give up for the gospel? What freedoms are we willing to sacrifice in love of God and neighbor?

1 Corinthians 9:1-18 Rights

1 Corinthians 9:1 Am I am not an apostle? am I not free? have I not seen Jesus Christ our Lord? are not ye my work in the Lord?

Paul was free to eat meat offered to idols and also take a salary from the church of God in Corinth. What proof was there of his apostolic authority?

1 Corinthians 9:2 If I be not an apostle unto others, yet doubtless I am to you: for the seal of mine apostleship are ye in the Lord.

Like a seal fixed to a document, the proof of Paul’s ministry was those who turned to God. Who seals our freedom from this world of sin (Ephesians 4:30)? Was Paul ready to give an answer to those who questioned his authority?

1 Corinthians 9:3 Mine answer [apology] to them that do examine me is this,

How do we give an answer to defend our faith? The Greek word (ἀπολογία, apologia) gives us apologetics, defending the faith. Did Paul have a right to food and drink?

1 Corinthians 9:4 Have we not power [right] to eat and to drink?

Paul begins with a basic human right that all gospel preachers have, to eat and drink, that is, at church expense (Luke 10:7). What about the simple right to get married to a Christian wife?

1 Corinthians 9:5 Have we not power to lead about a sister, a wife, as well as other apostles, and as the brethren of the Lord, and Cephas?

A sister would be a Christian wife. A Christian ought to marry a Christian (2 Corinthians 6:14). We know that Peter was married (Matthew 8:14-18; Mark 1:29-34; Luke 4:38-41) to a Christian woman, a sister. With whom did Paul work closely as a fellow Apostle?

1 Corinthians 9:6 Or I only and Barnabas, have not we power to forbear working?

Apparently only Barnabas and Paul supported themselves among the Apostles (Acts 14:14; 18:3). This comradely comment is the only mention of Barnabas after he and Paul had clashed (Acts 15:39). Are soldiers, grape growers and dairy workers justly compensated?

1 Corinthians 9:7 Who goeth a warfare any time at his own charges? who planteth a vineyard, and eateth not of the fruit thereof? or who feedeth a flock, and eateth not of the milk of the flock?

How do these three professions compare to a preacher of the gospel? Are there relevant principles in the Old Testament?

1 Corinthians 9:8 Say I these things as a man? or saith not the law the same also?

What principle from the law did Paul use to cover a pastor’s living expenses?

1 Corinthians 9:9 For it is written in the law of Moses, thou shalt not muzzle the mouth of the ox that treadeth out the corn. Doth God take care for oxen [only]?

Paul teaches a different method of Bible interpretation than we may have learned. We ought to learn how Jesus and the Apostles interpreted scripture. God does care for animals but the principle is much broader. What higher application of the law does Paul address?

1 Corinthians 9:10 Or saith he it altogether for our sakes? For our sakes, no doubt, this is written: that he that ploweth should plow in hope; and that he that thresheth in hope should be partaker of his hope.

A farm hand and a share cropper’s pay often includes part of the harvest. What hope is Paul talking about, spiritual or physical things?

1 Corinthians 9:11 If we have sown unto you spiritual things, is it a great thing if we shall reap your carnal things?

Every minister needs some physical things. Yet, did Paul use this right in Corinth? Why did he choose to endure hunger, thirst and other hardships?

1 Corinthians 9:12 If others be partakers of this power over you, are not we rather? Nevertheless we have not used this power; but suffer all things, lest we should hinder the gospel of Christ.

Under these circumstances Paul decided that taking a salary might hinder his mission. What was the normal case under the Levitical priesthood?

1 Corinthians 9:13 Do ye not know that they which minister about holy things live [eat] of the things of the temple? and they which wait at the altar are partakers with the altar?

Part of the sacrificial system involved eating (Leviticus 6-7). Paul teaches another principle from the Old Testament. How does this apply to ministers in most cases? Who ordained this?

1 Corinthians 9:14 Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel.

Where did Jesus ordain this (Matthew 10:10; Luke 10:7)? Why did Paul choose to make a personal sacrifice here?

1 Corinthians 9:15 But I have used none of these things: neither have I written these things, that it should be so done unto me: for it were better for me to die, than that any man should make my glorying [rejoicing] void.

Paul chose the bivocational life, the right to preach the gospel without charge, so that he could exult in giving. Missionaries often have different priorities to pastors. Paul made tents (Acts 18:1-4) so that he could care for himself, his companions and also the weak (Acts 20:33-35).

1 Corinthians 9:16 For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory [brag] of: for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel!

Glorying can mean both positive rejoicing and negative bragging. Better is our word exult, but that is no longer used much. Paul uses it both ways, saying he rejoices that he can be bivocational, but does not boast about preaching, because he preaches out of obligation. What is Paul’s sense of his calling? What sense of calling do we have?

1 Corinthians 9:17 For if I do this thing willingly, I have a reward: but if against my will, a dispensation of the gospel is committed unto me.

Paul exults or rejoices in his bivocational ability to preach the gospel without charge, not needing a salary.

1 Corinthians 9:18 What is my reward then? Verily that, when I preach the gospel, I may make the gospel of Christ without charge, that I abuse not my power in the gospel.

Like many missionaries, Paul chose not to demand pastoral rights because it might have diminished the gospel. Many missionaries today still follow this example and get their funds from elsewhere rather than the mission field. What did Paul choose?

1 Corinthians 9:19-27 Sacrifice

1 Corinthians 9:19 For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more.

Why is this a problem? A salaried minister serves a church, but a missionary is free to go where the gospel is needed. Paul’s circumstances allow him the privilege of reaching the lost rather than mostly preaching to the saved. What was Paul’s motive?

1 Corinthians 9:20 And unto the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain the Jews; to them that are under the law, as under the law, that I might gain them that are under the law;

Being all things to all people is hard work. Why would we try?

1 Corinthians 9:21 To them that are without law, as without law, (being not without law to God, but under the law to Christ,) that I might gain them that are without law.

To gain means what to Paul?

1 Corinthians 9:22 To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.

Christ came not to condemn the world but to save it (John 3:16–17). To save some is a result of what message?

1 Corinthians 9:23 And this I do for the gospel's sake, that I might be partaker thereof with you.

Paul’s humble attitude is to be a fellow partaker with the brethren. What encouragement can we take from Paul’s example?

1 Corinthians 9:24 Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.

What prize are we seeking?

1 Corinthians 9:25 And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.

We seek “the crown of life” (James 1:12; Revelation 2:10). Is Paul speaking of spiritual discipline? To what purpose?

1 Corinthians 9:26 I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air:

There is a purpose for spiritual discipline. What must a preacher of the gospel watch out for?

1 Corinthians 9:27 But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.

We have many rights and privileges, especially as children of God. However, we often choose not to fully utilize our rights for a variety of reasons, for peace, for the weak, and for the gospel. What privileges are we willing to give up for the gospel’s sake?

Others' Consciences (1 Corinthians 8)

What role does our loving concern for the consciences of our Christian brothers and sisters play? Can Paul’s discussion of food offered to idols help? What does knowledge without love produce? What does love produce? How can knowledge alone that an idol is nothing lead to unloving acts?

1 Corinthians 8:1 Now as touching things offered unto idols, we know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth.

Food offered to idols, shared with pagan priests and friends, was a sensitive dilemma for Corinthian Christians. Is loveless knowledge missing the most important knowledge? How much do we actually know about others’ sensitivities?

1 Corinthians 8:2 And if any man think that he knoweth any thing, he knoweth nothing yet as he ought to know.

What ought we to know? Is it love? Treating each other’s sensitivities with love is more important than a know-it-all attitude. Is loveless knowledge harmful? How does loving God help?

1 Corinthians 8:3 But if any man love God, the same is known of him.

The most important knowledge is that God knows us. He knows us if we love Him. In this situation, what knowledge could have come without love?

1 Corinthians 8:4 As concerning therefore the eating of those things that are offered in sacrifice unto idols, we know that an idol is nothing in the world, and that there is none other God but one.

The specific knowledge that was being addressed was that, everybody knew that an idol was really nothing at all. Are there sports and political heroes and lords in this world colloquially called gods?

1 Corinthians 8:5 For though there be that are called gods, whether in heaven or in earth, (as there be gods many, and lords many,)

What ought our attitude be? Ought we to be single minded as to who we worship?

1 Corinthians 8:6 But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him.

Do some in the church venerate national and historical figures, denominational founders, national flags, or exalt later church traditions above the teachings of Jesus, the apostles and prophets? Ought we to cause offense about such issues? What if some people believe a particular act is a sin which others believe is not?

1 Corinthians 8:7 Howbeit there is not in every man that knowledge: for some with conscience of the idol unto this hour eat it as a thing offered unto an idol; and their conscience being weak is defiled.

Are there still some decisions of conscience which are neither better nor worse?

1 Corinthians 8:8 But meat commendeth us not to God: for neither, if we eat, are we the better; neither, if we eat not, are we the worse.

In making decisions, ought mature Christians to be loving, not wanting to offend others? What are some examples?

1 Corinthians 8:9 But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to them that are weak.

What about alcohol, medical marijuana, working on Sunday or Saturday, praying in tongues, praying to Mary, venerating icons, baptism by sprinkling, baptizing infants, respecting the national flag, and a host of other matters of conscience among Christians?

1 Corinthians 8:10 For if any man see thee which hast knowledge sit at meat in the idol's temple, shall not the conscience of him which is weak be emboldened to eat those things which are offered to idols;

If we believe that our knowledge about any spiritual topic is more mature than another’s, what else should we consider?

1 Corinthians 8:11 And through thy knowledge shall the weak brother perish, for whom Christ died?

What is the real problem when we don’t lovingly consider another’s conscience?

1 Corinthians 8:12 But when ye sin so against the brethren, and wound their weak conscience, ye sin against Christ.

What is Paul’s personal resolve regarding such potentially offensive and sinful behavior? How far are we willing to go so as not to offend?

1 Corinthians 8:13 Wherefore, if meat make my brother to offend, I will eat no flesh while the world standeth, lest I make my brother to offend.

Offending the conscience of other Christians about any matter is an offense against God, a sin. Yet, we all offend unknowingly at times. As we grow in the love of God, may we also grow in the love of others and treat their consciences with tenderhearted care.

Married & Single Christians (1 Corinthians 7)

What wisdom would married and single Christians want to consider?

1 Corinthians 7:1-16 Christian Marriages

Is celibacy good or bad?

1 Corinthians 7:1 Now concerning the things whereof ye wrote unto me: It is good for a man not to touch a woman.

What should single people do if they continually face many sexual temptations?

1 Corinthians 7:2 Nevertheless, to avoid fornication, let every man have his own wife, and let every woman have her own husband.

Should a husband or wife deprive each other of sexual affection?

1 Corinthians 7:3 Let the husband render unto the wife due benevolence: and likewise also the wife unto the husband.

Why? Does the idea of mutual submission play a role in marital sex?

1 Corinthians 7:4 The wife hath not power of her own body, but the husband: and likewise also the husband hath not power of his own body, but the wife.

Is there ever a time to mutually agree to abstain? Why should husband and wife return to normal sexual relations?

1 Corinthians 7:5 Defraud ye not one the other, except it be with consent for a time, that ye may give yourselves to fasting and prayer; and come together again, that Satan tempt you not for your incontinency.

Is this a command or pastoral advice?

1 Corinthians 7:6 But I speak this by permission, and not of commandment.

In those troubled times of severe persecution, how did Paul wish all people were? Is this state a gift?

1 Corinthians 7:7 For I would that all men were even as I myself. But every man hath his proper gift of God, one after this manner, and another after that.

What was Paul talking about specifically?

1 Corinthians 7:8 I say therefore to the unmarried and widows, it is good for them if they abide even as I.

What strength of character does celibacy exhibit? What if people don’t have this gift?

1 Corinthians 7:9 But if they cannot contain, let them marry: for it is better to marry than to burn [with passion].

What commandment is from God to the married?

1 Corinthians 7:10 And unto the married I command, yet not I, but the Lord, Let not the wife depart from her husband:

What if a spouse does depart the marriage?

1 Corinthians 7:11 But and if she depart, let her remain unmarried or be reconciled to her husband: and let not the husband put away his wife.

What about those already married to unbelievers?

1 Corinthians 7:12-13 But to the rest speak I, not the Lord: If any brother hath a wife that believeth not, and she be pleased to dwell with him, let him not put her away. And the woman which hath an husband that believeth not, and if he be pleased to dwell with her, let her not leave him.

What benefit does the unbelieving spouse obtain from being married to a believer?

1 Corinthians 7:14 For the unbelieving husband is sanctified by the wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified by the husband: else were your children unclean; but now are they holy.

What if the unbeliever departs the marriage? Is the marriage bond also broken in principle by an abusive spouse who has departed the safety and peace that a marriage is meant to be?

1 Corinthians 7:15 But if the unbelieving depart, let him depart. A brother or a sister is not under bondage in such cases: but God hath called us to peace.

What should we pray for those married to an unbeliever?

1 Corinthians 7:16 For what knowest thou, O wife, whether thou shalt save thy husband? or how knowest thou, O man, whether thou shalt save thy wife?

1 Corinthians 7:17-24 Keep Your Calling

Should we change our social status when we become Christians?

1 Corinthians 7:17 But as God hath distributed to every man, as the Lord hath called every one, so let him walk. And so ordain I in all churches.

What about circumcision?

1 Corinthians 7:18 Is any man called being circumcised? let him not become uncircumcised. Is any called in uncircumcision? let him not be circumcised.

How important is circumcision under the new covenant?

1 Corinthians 7:19 Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing, but the keeping of the commandments of God [is what matters].

What about our employment?

1 Corinthians 7:20 Let every man abide in the same calling wherein he was called.

What if we are a slave, an employee under contract, or in slavery to debt?

1 Corinthians 7:21 Art thou called being a servant? care not for it: but if thou mayest be made free, use it rather.

What does our social status mean to God?

1 Corinthians 7:22 For he that is called in the Lord, being a servant, is the Lord's freeman: likewise also he that is called, being free, is Christ's servant.

What if we are debt-free and self-employed? Should we be cautious about being enslaved to anything?

1 Corinthians 7:23 Ye are bought with a price; be not ye the servants of men.

Although there would be obvious exceptions, what principle should the new Christian think about in regards to his situation in life?

1 Corinthians 7:24 Brethren, let every man, wherein he is called, therein abide with God.

1 Corinthians 7:25-40 Christian Singles

Does Paul have some pastoral advice for Christian singles during such times of crisis?

1 Corinthians 7:25 Now concerning virgins I have no commandment of the Lord: yet I give my judgment, as one that hath obtained mercy of the Lord to be faithful.

Are there Christians in similar distress today?

1 Corinthians 7:26 I suppose therefore that this is good for the present distress, I say, that it is good for a man so to be.

Modern persecution against Christians is worse than it has ever been in history, mostly across north Africa and Asia. What would Paul advise singles?

1 Corinthians 7:27 Art thou bound unto a wife? seek not to be loosed. Art thou loosed from a wife? seek not a wife.

What troubles could a marriage bring to a Christian couple in times of crisis?

1 Corinthians 7:28 But and if thou marry, thou hast not sinned; and if a virgin marry, she hath not sinned. Nevertheless such shall have trouble in the flesh: but I spare you.

What can happen to marriages, especially in times of severe persecution? What would Paul advise?

1 Corinthians 7:29 But this I say, brethren, the time is short: it remaineth, that both they that have wives be as though they had none;

How can worldly cares consume us? How should we act towards things which we temporarily own?

1 Corinthians 7:30 And they that weep, as though they wept not; and they that rejoice, as though they rejoiced not; and they that buy, as though they possessed not;

How attached should we become to the things of this world? Why?

1 Corinthians 7:31 And they that use this world, as not abusing it: for the fashion of this world passeth away.

What attitude does Paul want us to have about the things of the world?

1 Corinthians 7:32 But I would have you without carefulness. He that is unmarried careth for the things that belong to the Lord, how he may please the Lord:

What does marriage force us to care about?

1 Corinthians 7:33 But he that is married careth for the things that are of the world, how he may please his wife.

What advantage do single Christian women have over their married sisters?

1 Corinthians 7:34 There is difference also between a wife and a virgin. The unmarried woman careth for the things of the Lord, that she may be holy both in body and in spirit: but she that is married careth for the things of the world, how she may please her husband.

How is marriage a distraction?

1 Corinthians 7:35 And this I speak for your own profit; not that I may cast a snare upon you, but for that which is comely, and that ye may attend upon the Lord without distraction.

Is it wrong to later change from celibacy to marriage? If so, why would anyone require a vow of celibacy?

1 Corinthians 7:36 But if any man think that he behaveth himself uncomely toward his virgin, if she pass the flower of her age, and need so require, let him do what he will, he sinneth not: let them marry.

Is having a low libido somehow wrong?

1 Corinthians 7:37 Nevertheless he that standeth stedfast in his heart, having no necessity, but hath power over his own will, and hath so decreed in his heart that he will keep his virgin, doeth well.

Under difficult circumstances, which is better, marriage or celibacy?

1 Corinthians 7:38 So then he that giveth her in marriage doeth well; but he that giveth her not in marriage doeth better.

Can widows remarry a Christian?

1 Corinthians 7:39 The wife is bound by the law as long as her husband liveth; but if her husband be dead, she is at liberty to be married to whom she will; only in the Lord.

In times of severe persecution, which is likely a happier life?

1 Corinthians 7:40 But she is happier if she so abide, after my judgment: and I think also that I have the Spirit of God.

During the first 300 years of Christianity, many were martyred. Paul recommends celibacy, but not by mandate, coercion or a foolish, irreversible vow. Rather, a couple ought to be free to change their minds and later marry. He also says that in marriage, mutual submission to sexual needs provides much needed protection against temptation.

Woman, Why are You Crying?

 The story setting is early on that Sunday morning after Jesus’ resurrection (John 20:1-18). This time of year, Jerusalem can be just over 20°C (about 70°F on the old scale) during the day. Early that morning it may have been about 10°C (50°F), so Mary probably wrapped herself up against the cool early air as she headed towards the garden tomb. At that hour on a Sunday morning the streets may have already seen a little activity as there were many guests in town for the 8 day Passover festival.

That Sunday was going to be the day of the wave sheaf offering, the only ritual hint of Christ’s resurrection in the entire Old Testament festival tradition. Mary was still in shock and grieving the horrific death of Jesus. What she would soon discover sounds too good to be true, but let’s not get ahead of ourselves.

Every now and then we hear of someone who does not like other people at church. But, the apostles did not get to choose who the other apostles were and we don’t get to pick who our church friends are. They are chosen for us by Jesus. If we had to choose, we may not have chosen someone like Mary Magdalene to be a part of our church at all. She grew up in Magdala near Lake Galilee, that’s why she is often called Mary the Magdalene or just Mary Magdalene. Magdala was like many towns that were heavily taxed by the Romans. To survive the poverty caused by the heavy taxation, brothels were commonplace.

Mary’s name also suggests that she was single, but there is no Bible proof for the popular legend that she was a prostitute. She has been confused with the Mary who wiped Jesus’ feet and was from Bethany (John 11:1-3) not Magdala. Some have suggested that she may have suffered some kind abuse at the hands of Roman soldiers and that is why she became crazy. She may have been called in our language names such as Mad Mary or Mary the Schizo. Insanity and demon possession may not always be the same thing, so let’s just go with the Gospel accounts and leave psychological and demon speculation to the experts.

The story tells us that she was possessed and tormented by seven demons. Oftentimes when we know someone in our community who is crazy, they have no friends. Perhaps Mary was like that too. Some people fear those with demons and mental illnesses. In Mary’s case, it was she who was living in fear every day and probably had a lot of sleepless nights as well. Perhaps she even thought of suicide at times to stop the torment and the pain. Rejected by family and friends, her only company may have been the demons which tormented her day and night.

Many of us are in some ways like Mary, imprisoned by the invisible bars of emotional pain, possessed by habits we can’t break, tormented by the memories of past sins.

Then one day, a wonderful voice broke into her dark and depressing nightmare. Mary heard the voice of Jesus call her. MARY! He told her he had driven the demons away. Nobody else had been able to help her. It seemed to her that for the first time in her life somebody really cared. Somebody actually loved her!

The dark cloud that had surrounded her life was gone. The pain in her body was gone. A new energy surged through her soul. It was a moment she would never forget.

From then on, perhaps morning became a special time for Mary. No longer did she awake after a nightmarish sleep to a dark reality. Now she greeted the sunshine with joy. Perhaps she wondered at first if the demons would return, but when Jesus heals someone they have life again.

She became a faithful follower of his teachings. While others also followed him, she was all the more motivated. He had given her new life and she wanted to serve him in gratitude.

Other women followed Jesus too. Mary developed special friendships with Joanna and Susanna. Like Mary, these women too had pledged to support Jesus in any way they could. He may not have had finances left over from the gifts of the Magi. Jesus was not a wealthy man. He had an itinerant ministry where he walked everywhere. Luke 8:1-3 indicates that these women gave Jesus financial support, so Mary must have had some financial means.

Mary of Magdala is mentioned more often than some of the apostles. St Augustine called her the Apostle to the Apostles. She may have also taken care of some of the food, lodging and hospitality for the disciples in various towns. Jesus had met her deepest need and she was only too glad for Him to do the same for others. Jesus healed many men and women of physical and spiritual illnesses. Even the demons obeyed him. People were excited about Jesus and the kingdom that He preached.

Then Jesus entered Jerusalem and the excitement was enormous. People came out to see Him. Crowds cheered and waved tree branches. They shouted “HOSANNA!” and “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” The disciples also joined in the celebration, with singing, dancing and cheering. They anticipated Him freeing them from Roman oppression. Perhaps at Passover Jesus would announce Himself as their king. They were so excited.

But then everything changed. Joy and celebration gave way to fear and crying. Women are often more able to sense a man’s mood. Perhaps they sensed Jesus’ sombreness in His eyes and voice. But like all the disciples, perhaps they too refused to believe what was about to happen.

Then Mary along with the other women heard that Jesus had been arrested. Perhaps they watched from a distance as men took him to be executed. Many Jewish leaders had been plotting this for months. They falsely accused Him of treason and blasphemy and led Him to Jewish and Roman authorities. The charges were just lies trumped up by those who just wanted to eliminate a threat to their own positions in the community. Jesus did not defend himself. Why?

Maybe the Romans would give Him better justice than the Jews? But they were no better. Roman guards physically abused and mocked Jesus. They whipped Him and spat on Him. That was a crime. Jew or Gentile, they were all guilty of His suffering. Even the Roman leaders Herod and Pilate gave Him no justice, nor did they even question the atrocities committed by their own soldiers. The Romans then turned Jesus over to a lynch mob to be crucified.

Mary Magdalene was there as they nailed Him to a cross. Murderers crucified Him next to other murderers. Yet, Jesus had healed the sick and the lame. He had performed great miracles and cast out demons. Even the wind and sea obeyed Him. How could this the Son of God die?

The soldiers mocked Him to save himself. Mary believed that He could, but He did not. Why? Jesus had delivered her from her demons, but He would not deliver himself. Why?

And then He died...

The disciples died inwardly with him. His suffering ended, but their suffering under the Romans remained. What was it all about?

Mary walked with them as His lifeless body was placed in a tomb. Night was falling and the Sabbath was beginning. But that Sabbath was not a rest day, not inwardly, not in their souls. Perhaps many of them believed there was nothing more to live for. Sabbath was supposed to be a day of worship as well as rest, but Mary could not worship. She was too confused. What did it all mean? At the first hint of dawn’s light she headed for the garden tomb.

It was still too dark to see inside the tomb, but not too dark to see that the stone covering the entrance had been rolled aside. Mary wondered who could have moved it. Had someone stolen the body? She ran to the disciples, breathlessly explaining what she had seen to Peter and John. They then ran to the tomb to see for themselves. John looked inside and believed. The two men returned to their accommodations.

Then Mary Magdalene returned to the tomb and not sure what to think she began weeping. She was stricken with deep despair. Dejected and confused she could only cry.

Then…

She saw two men sitting on the long stone shelf where His body had laid. She was so grief stricken that she hardly noticed they were bright shining angels.

They asked her, WOMAN, WHY ARE YOU CRYING?

It must have seemed like a stupid question to Mary. Had these two men taken the body? Turning left and right she answered that someone had taken her Lord and she did not know where. Turning, she saw Jesus standing there too but did not recognize Him at first. Was he a caretaker?

The man asked her, WOMAN, WHY ARE YOU CRYING? Who is it you are looking for?

Who are these people? Don’t they understand Mary’s grief? She asked Him if He had carried away the body. She was not interested in punishing Him only in retrieving the body of the One who had released her from her demons. He had then mentioned her name and seven demons left her.

Then the man in the garden said one word, MARY.

She turned to Him and cried out in her language, RABBONI! Teacher!

All it takes is one word from Jesus and all our worries are gone. Mary went from grief to joy in a split second. As He spoke her name before and released her from her torment, so again He spoke her name and her torment was gone.

She just wanted to fall at His feet and grab his ankles, but He cautioned her that He had not yet ascended to our Father in heaven. He commissioned her to go to the disciples and tell them.

Mary was the first to hear that famous phrase, “He is risen.” She was the first to bear eyewitness to the risen Christ. And so we read, “Mary Magdalene went to the disciples with the news: ‘I have seen the Lord!’ And she told them that he had said these things to her.”

Adapted from “No Reason to Cry” [Robinson, Haddon W.; Robinson, Torrey (2003-03-01). It's All in How You Tell It: Preaching First-Person Expository Messages (pp. 126-127). Baker Publishing Group. Kindle Edition.]