Daily Devotions
Today’s Reading: John 20:10-18 & Psalm 40
[Mary] turned toward Him and cried out in Aramaic, “Rabboni!” (which means Teacher). Jesus said, “Do not hold on to Me, for I have not yet returned to the Father.” John 20:16-17
Mary had come to pay her respects to a dead Jesus. She’s not unlike some who will be worshiping on Easter morning—coming to pay their respects to a Christ who’s a part of their past. At one time, they placed high hopes in Christ, and then something went wrong. Whatever happened, it left them with a dead Christ, and inwardly, they weep for Him.
But—as Mary found out—there’s no such thing as a dead Christ. Mary—like many—longed for and looked for Jesus. But, it was not she who found Him, but He who found her. When Mary called out “Rabboni!” she addressed Him as her Teacher, though the events of Good Friday, Holy Saturday, and Easter Sunday proved Him Lord and Savior. Thus He said to her, “Do not hold on to Me.”
Today is Maundy Thursday. As such, Christians are reminded, by grace and through faith, to cling to the risen Christ as their Lord and Savior. He blesses us as He comes to us in His supper, allowing us to touch His love and forgiveness as we eat and drink.
To you who weep for missed opportunities or broken relationships, do not hold on to those crippling words, “if only,” when Christ announces, “I am making everything new!” (Revelation 21:5).
Your Christ … my Christ … our Christ lives!
Prayer
Our Lord Jesus Christ, who lives with the Father to all eternity, send out Your Spirit upon us so we cling to nothing but Your cross and Your righteousness, for we pray this in Your holy name. Amen.
Response
In what ways is the Holy Spirit calling you to a fuller, more mature faith in Jesus Christ?