Determined Seekers Find
- Baptist Daily Devotional
- 1 day ago
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Rev. O. K. Nkrahene | April 20 2025 | John 20:1-18
KEY VERSE:
15 Jesus said to her, "Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?" . . . she said to Him, "Sir, if you have carried Him away, tell me where you have laid Him, and I will take Him away." 16 Jesus said to her, "Mary." She turned and said to Him in Aramaic "Rabboni" (which means Teacher).” John 20:15-16 (ESV)
MESSAGE:
This passage, fitting for Resurrection Sunday, is so rich that treating it in a single reflection feels like a tall task. But let’s focus on what the Spirit draws our attention to.
In verse 2, Mary Magdalene says, “We…”- indicating she wasn’t alone at the tomb. Her report was strategic: she ran to Peter, the leader, and John, who had taken Jesus' mother into his home (John 19:26-27). This small detail reflects the wisdom in knowing who to inform and when.
Verses 3–8 highlight something deeper: youthful zeal is not enough. John outran Peter, but Peter entered first. It took Peter’s experience to step in and explore, showing that deep spiritual insight requires more than surface-level observation. Verses 9–10 reveal a deeper tragedy: without understanding Scripture, even the most devoted hearts can give up prematurely. The disciples saw the empty tomb, but because they did not yet understand the Word, they returned home confused and disheartened.
Then comes the contrast in verses 11-18: “But Mary stood outside the tomb crying.” Others had walked away, but Mary stayed. Her love, devotion, and longing held her in that place of mystery. She stooped to look again, and heaven responded. Two angels appeared and asked, “Why are you crying?” Even then, her heart was fixed on one thing: finding the body of her Lord, the One who had delivered her from seven demons (Luke 8:2). And then came the moment. She turned and saw Him. But didn’t recognise Him.
Jesus asked her two questions: Why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking? She repeated her request to find His body, ready to carry it alone if she had to. But then He called her name: “Mary.” That was all it took. She had come looking for a corpse but found the Risen Lord. She had stayed in grief, but received a divine commission. She was the first to hear His voice after the resurrection and carry the message. Determined seekers often find far more than they expected.
FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE:
Like the disciples, have we walked long with Jesus yet failed to understand His Word? Let us ask the Lord to open our eyes and give us hearts that linger—like Mary’s—until revelation comes. PRAYER:
Lord Jesus, we confess how quickly we give up when understanding escapes us. Teach us to seek You with the same devotion as Mary. Let our pursuit lead to revelation, not resignation. Call us by name—and let us hear Your voice. Amen. THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING.
SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!!
The 365 DAILY BIBLE READING Day 110: Joshua 11-12 - Northern Kings Defeated; Summary of Victories
DAILY word study: SEEKING
Seeking is from Greek ζητέω (zēteō), meaning “to seek, search after, desire, or strive for.” It implies deliberate, ongoing pursuit, not mere curiosity.
Jesus used this word in John 20:15 when asking Mary, “Whom are you seeking?” Her search began in sorrow but ended in joy. Zēteō expresses longing that refuses to stop until the goal is found. It speaks of a pursuit that presses on even when answers seem hidden or delayed.
Reflection:
Mary’s persistent seeking was met by divine revelation. What you seek shapes what you see. When we seek Christ with undivided focus, we find more than we imagined.
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