SHE WATCHED HIM DIE ON THE CROSS. SHE SAW HIS BODY BURIED INSIDE THE TOMB. SHE WAS THE FIRST TO SEE JESUS AFTER HE HAD RISEN.
SHE, VOLUME 2, P41
Mary Magdalene is the Mary from whom Jesus cast out seven devils (Mark 16:9), and according to Mark’s gospel (16:9), she was the first to see Jesus after He arose from the grave. Her master and teacher, whom she had seen brutally tortured and crucified, was no longer in the grave but standing behind her calling her name (John 20:16). She had seen HIm, but had mistaken Him for the gardener (Jn 20:15), until He said her name: Jesus saith unto her, “Mary,” and she immediately turned and called Him Master.
Jesus saith unto her, Mary. She turned herself, and saith unto him, Rabboni; which is to say, Master.
John 20:16
I love that the study guide for this journey points out that “He knew her name, just as He knows ours,” but I am just as moved and somewhat convicted by the evidence that even though she did not recognize Him when she saw Him, when He called to her, she recognized His voice. “Knowing the Lord’s voice indicates experiential knowledge through a relationship with Him.”1 This is an important lesson Jesus had taught the disciples earlier in His ministry. May we never be so busy or preoccupied with life that we fail to see Jesus, and may we always know His voice when He calls our name.
“…she stooped down, and looked into the sepulcher..”
Now on the first day of the week Mary Magdalene went to the tomb early, while it was still dark, and saw that the stone had been taken away from the tomb. 2 Then she ran and came to Simon Peter, and to the other disciple, whom Jesus loved, and said to them, “They have taken away the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid Him”
John 20:1-2
“Mary neglected to remember what Jesus had said would happen.”
We know from Mark’s writings that Jesus had taught His disciples that men would take Him and kill Him, but that He would rise again on the third day (Mark 9:31). However, when she found the tomb was empty, she forgot what had been said and panicked she found the tomb was empty. In her panic, rather than running with the jubilant cry that Christ had arisen, Mary Magdalene ran to tell the others His body had been stolen, and we do not know where He is.
Friends, we would be wise to learn from Mary Magdalene and not allow fear or other distractions to cause us to forget what we have heard and seen from Him.
By forsaking the right path they have gone astray, because they followed the way of Balaam son of Bosor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness,
2 Peter 2:15 NLT
INTO THE TEXT: My commentary today is borrowed from the LGG Journal, Trials over Triumphjournal/p176 – It is a beautiful explanation of the text and helpful to our journey in triumphing over trials.
Have you ever heard the story of Balaam? Nestled in the pages of Numbers 22-24, we find a telling account of a Gentile prophet named Balaam. He stands as a vivid example of someone who knew the distinction between right and wrong but let temptation sidetrack him from righteousness. Despite understanding that it was wrong to curse the Jews, Balaam’s heart wavered when wealth and honor dangled before him. Just like that, the man who was once clear about the right path allowed himself to be led astray by worldly temptations.
Much like Balaam, many false teachers during Peter’s time, and our time, have allowed their souls to become ensnared by greed and self-centered desires. The allure of material gains and recognition has made them lose sight of the ultimate truth and divine purpose. They, who could have been bright beacons of God’s wisdom, instead chose a shadowy path, leading themselves and others into spiritual darkness.
Thankfully there are other, much more inspiring role models in Scripture for us! When we look at the model of a true servant of God, such as Moses, Daniel, or Esther, what do we see? A heart brimming with humility, eyes that look beyond personal gains, and hands that seek to serve others with love and obedience. Such a servant doesn’t chase after worldly praise or monetary rewards. Her joy and satisfaction come from the very act of serving God where radiating His love to others is enough.
In today’s world, where temptation often comes dressed in the most enticing of guises, may we be women who stand firm in our faith. May our hearts remain anchored in God’s truth, and our spirits be invigorated by a genuine love for Him. Let’s not be swayed by fleeting pleasures or the fickle applause of the world. Instead, let our hearts sing a song of undying devotion and steadfast obedience to our Heavenly Father.
LIVING THE JOURNEY (APPLICATION)
Stand firm in our faith
Don’t be swayed by the pleasures or applause of the world
Cultivate good habits that lead to God and not away from Him
Choose righteousness over unrighteousness
Stay alert
QUESTION FOR THE JOURNEY
In what areas of your life do you feel most tempted to prioritize worldly gains over
PRAYER FOR THE JOURNEY
Dear Lord Jesus, please strengthen my heart against the enticement of worldly temptations. Help me serve You with unwavering love and obedience, placing Your will above all else. Amen –
For we did not follow cleverly concocted fables when we made known to you the power and return of our Lord Jesus Christ; no, we were eyewitnesses of his grandeur. 17 For he received honor and glory from God the Father, when that voice was conveyed to him by the Majestic Glory: “This is my dear Son, in whom I am delighted.” 18When this voice was conveyed from heaven, we ourselves heard it, for we were with him on the holy mountain.
2 Peter 1:16-18
Today’s post is borrowed and shared from the Love God Greatly journal entry, p 158/Trials over Triumphs
When Peter speaks here of the transfiguration of Jesus, it’s not some second-hand account. He was there. He witnessed the majestic white robes and heard God’s voice (Matthew 17:1-13). It’s a firsthand account from someone who was included in this heavenly encounter. When Peter shares his memories of being with Jesus during that miraculous transfiguration, it’s as if he’s inviting us to sit down with him and hear a personal story. In those days, stories were heartbeats passed from one believer to another, and Peter’s close relationship with Jesus placed him in a unique position of trust. As he talks about the transfiguration, it’s not just for historical record. It’s an intimate reminder of Jesus’ divine nature, shared with the warmth of a dear friend recalling a cherished memory. Peter’s eyewitness testimony, which has been written down and recorded for the generations of Christians who followed him, is a heartfelt embrace, reassuring us of the deep truths we hold dear in our faith.
Why would Peter include this event in his letter? Because the transfiguration wasn’t just a miraculous display of Jesus’ glory, it was a testament to core doctrines of our Christian faith. First, it affirms that Jesus is the Son of God. If any Christian teacher denies the deity of Jesus, then that teacher is a false teacher.
Furthermore, this event gives weight to the sacrifice Jesus made for us. The cross wasn’t just a historical event. It was the manifestation of love in its purest form, Jesus sacrificing Himself for our sins.
The transfiguration also showcased a glimpse of God’s magnificent kingdom. It was a foretaste of what awaits us – a beautiful and real kingdom built on love, grace, and eternal glory.
Lastly, intertwined in this heavenly event lies the lesson of suffering and glory. Just as Jesus went through immense suffering only to be glorified later, we will also face trials in our lives. But remember not to fear. On the other side of those trials awaits unimaginable glory.
LIVING THE JOURNEY (APPLICATION)
What have you seen Jesus do for you or watched Him do in the lives of others? What should you do with the story? Whether it’s something you experienced or something you witnessed, it is your testimony, and it is meant to be shared. Praise God, from whom all blessings flow.
Thoughts to consider: What might happen if you share it? What if you don’t share it? Why haven’t you shared it? How might you share it? – Pray for God to help you answer these questions and to direct you in ways and opportunities to share the story.
QUESTION FOR THE JOURNEY
As you reflect on Peter’s intimate account of the transfiguration, how does his firsthand experience deepen your understanding and appreciation of Jesus and the reality of heaven?
PRAYER FOR THE JOURNEY
Dear Lord Jesus, as we reflect on the transfiguration, may Peter’s testimony not only affirm our faith but also draw us closer to You, revealing the depth of Your love and Your awesome majesty. Strengthen our resolve to walk faithfully with You every day. Amen.
12 Dear friends, don’t be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you. 13 Instead, be very glad—for these trials make you partners with Christ in his suffering, so that you will have the wonderful joy of seeing his glory when it is revealed to all the world.
1 Peter 4:12-13 Nlt
Peter makes it clear that as believers, we should not be surprised or caught off guard by circumstances of suffering. Actually, when we live lives that are “set apart” for God and we have “set apart Christ as Lord,” we must not only expect suffering but be on alert and ready for it! Peter will make this clear in the next chapter of this letter.
Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.
1 Peter 5:8
We might wonder why God allows His children to suffer for following Jesus and doing good. This is a natural question, and Scripture repeatedly answers it – my favorite reference for this is found in James 1:2-4: Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. 3 For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. 4 So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.Suffering and times of testing stretch and strengthen our faith, and from my experience – each ‘episode’ prepares us for the next.
That being said, as I read and studied today’s passage, one question kept coming to mind: Do I really suffer because I follow Jesus? As I began praying and searching other passages, I found this helpful and encouraging commentary by gotquestions.org.1 I’ve only shared a snippet, but I implore you to take the time to read it in its entirety. I am confident that it will be a blessing in the days and years to come as we continue to live out our faith.
“The Bible talks a lot about suffering for the sake of Christ. In the era in which the New Testament was written, followers of Jesus were often ostracized by their own families and communities. …
Often those of us in free nations shudder at the thought, but we feel relatively safe. We understand that there are thousands who suffer daily for the sake of Christ and are thankful we don’t have to. But is there only one kind of persecution? …
Often our greatest suffering comes from within as we battle for control over a heart that must die to its own will and surrender to Christ’s lordship (Romans 7:15–25). In whatever form suffering comes, we should embrace it as a badge of honor and a privilege that we, like the apostles, have “been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name.”
LIVING THE JOURNEY (APPLICATION)
Peter goes on to teach believers not only to expect suffering but to “rejoice” or “be very glad” in it. Now, you may be wondering, as do most, why on earth we should be glad about suffering.
It’s not about taking on a falsely spiritual attitude; it’s about correcting our perspective in the moment of suffering to fit our actual beliefs about who we are in Christ.2
bibleref.com/1 Peter 4:14
Peter’s explanation is that it is a badge of honor, so to speak, to suffer for the cause of Christ, saying: “If you are insulted because you bear the name of Christ, you will be blessed, for the glorious Spirit of God rests upon you.” It’s important to note that these words weren’t original to Peter – they were words Peter had heard Christ speak during the “Sermon on the Mount.” They were words he had undoubtedly learned represented a truth about the real and present suffering believers face when they are true and faithful followers of Jesus. -But, how and why can we rejoice? Both questions are answered beautifully in verse nineteen: “So if you are suffering in a manner that pleases God, keep on doing what is right, and trust your lives to the God who created you, for he will never fail you.” – This isn’t to say that we won’t want the suffering to stop but that we must hold to the truth that it will be worth it all.
Peter is quick to say, though, that not all suffering is equally honorable. A Christian who experiences the natural consequence of sinful choices, including being punished by the state for criminal activity, should not make the mistake of thinking he or she is suffering for Christ.3
bibleref.com/1Peter 4:15
Question FOR THE JOURNEY
How can you shift your perspective on the trials you are facing, viewing them not as burdens but as indicators that you are making an impact for God? How can this mindset prepare your heart for the joy that will come with Christ’s return?
PRAYER FOR THE JOURNEY
Father, suffering or trials of any kind are not easy. The enemy is quick to use them to distract our attention from You and to prompt complaining or attitudes that do not reflect Your Spirit in us. Only by Your grace can we rejoice in the sufferings in this world, whether they are from the consequences of our sins or because we have chosen to take up our cross daily and follow Jesus, as true and faithful servants. I pray that You will help us bear every insult we receive for the name of Christ as a badge of honor. I pray that our responses to any suffering will always bring You glory. I ask that You will help us to encourage one another so that we can bear up under the pain of suffering and not grow weary in doing good and rejoicing in You – entrusting our souls to You, our faithful Creator God – who uses even our suffering for Your glory and our good. – In the name of Jesus I trust and pray! – Amen
They will face a reckoning before Jesus Christ who stands ready to judge the living and the dead. 6 Now it was for this very purpose that the gospel was preached to those who are now dead, so that though they were judged in the flesh by human standards they may live spiritually by God’s standards.
1 Peter 4:5-6 NET
From the journal of Love God Greatly, Trials over Triumphs / p106
There is a profound reality that we, often conveniently, keep in the back of our minds: one day, we will all stand before the throne of God. That moment will be the most significant in our existence – a divine appointment where all people will be judged. For believers, this will be a time when we will be viewed, not by our sins, but through Christ’s atoning sacrifice and the faith and forgiveness we have found in Him (Romans 8:1). We will also receive the rewards for a life lived in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:10; Revelation 22:12). For unbelievers, it is a sobering reality of facing punishment for rejecting the free gift of salvation in Jesus.
Imagine standing there, in the presence of God, giving an account for every word, every action, and every thought of our lives. Peter’s words are not meant to paralyze us with fear but to ignite a holy urgency within us. He urges us to live our lives with a heavenly perspective, knowing that our time here is but a breath in light of eternity. We are to steward this life – every second of it – as a precious gift, intentionally living in ways that are honoring to God.
So, how are we spending our days? Are we investing in what is eternal – loving others, deepening our relationship with Jesus, and sharing the Gospel – or are we getting sidetracked by this world’s fleeting comforts and pursuits?
Peter emphasizes why the Gospel is preached. It stands as a beacon of hope, offering the promise of eternal life – a life with God and untouched by sickness, pain, or sin (John 17:3; Revelation 21:4). This message is the treasure we hold in our hearts and the very message the world desperately needs to hear.
Sweet friends, Jesus is returning, but His second coming will be vastly different from His first. He will not return as a helpless infant; He will come as a righteous Judge. In light of this impending reality, now is the critical time for us to share the Gospel – far and wide – with the precious days we have been given.
LIVING THE JOURNEY (APPLICATION)
Invest in what is eternal:
loving others
deepening our relationship with Jesus
sharing the Gospel
live by God’s standards
turn away from the evil things that godless people enjoy—their immorality and lust, their feasting and drunkenness and wild parties, and their terrible worship of idols.
This is not simply a list of sins to avoid but a list of addictions that entangle those who live for comfort and pleasure. Those who live for the will of God (like Christ)—with a willingness to experience physical suffering to accomplish it—set the course of their lives in a different direction.
Bibleref.com / 1 Peter 4:3
Question FOR THE JOURNEY
How can we shift our daily perspective to be more in line with eternity? What steps can you take to live a life that faithfully stewards the time you’ve been given in light of the coming judgment?
PRAYER FOR THE JOURNEY
Dear Lord Jesus, thank You for the life You have given me. Help me to live it with a constant awareness of eternity. Give me the strength and grace to live a life that is pleasing to You. Prepare my heart for that day when I will stand before You and give an account for my life. Let my life be an offering of love and gratitude to You—Amen.
THE MORE WE KNOW
1And yet, God is paying attention. Pleasure-seekers will stand before God and “give account” of their lives at the final judgment. God—More insight on 1 Peter 4:5
For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world rulers of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavens.
Ephesians 6:12
Just as it is crucial for us to be prepared for the battles that are lurking around us, it is equally important to know who our enemy is and who he is not. Why? Because if we do not know him we will more easily fall prey to his lies and deceptions when he comes for us. Likewise, if we do not understand who he ‘is not’, ie “flesh and blood,” or as Bibleref.com explains, our enemies are “not people or objects. Instead, they are “part of the demonic armies”, or as Paul defines them: “rulers… powers… world rulers of darkness… and spiritual forces of evil.” They are dangerous and can only be overcome when we are standing ready in the strength and the power of our God.
Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. 1 Peter 5:8
It isn’t enough to know what God has said, Eve knew what He said and she even repeated it to the serpent [the enemy] but she still succumbed and submitted to the enemy’s lie and to the desire of the flesh and eye that the lie had stirred within her. Make no mistake regardless of the form our enemy takes, his goal is to lead us away from God – which ultimately leads us to sin.
Remember, it is sin to know what you ought to do and then not do it.
James 4:17
Sin, “our true opponent.”1 has a name. Eve knew him as the serpent in Genesis chapter three. Here, in Ephesians chapter six, Paul refers to him as the devil – but he has a host of other names and demons that work to do his bidding. They have one purpose in mind and that is to steal, kill, and destroy all those who faithfully follow after God. Our only hope of survival is standing firm in the strength and power of God and implementing the full resources of His armor. This may, at times, seem impossible but consider the encouragement of Peter, who said, “By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know him, the one who called us to himself by means of his marvelous glory and excellence. And because of his glory and excellence, [God] has given us great and promises. These are the promises that enable you to share his divine nature and escape the world’s corruption caused by human desires” (2 Peter 1:3-4). Like Adam and Eve, we try to explain away our sin or cast blame onto the ‘enemy’, but the truth is – we, like them, are without excuse for our sinful choices. So, may we heed the wisdom and encouragement of Paul’s words – to prepare ourselves and know our enemy so that we might stand firm and begin to suit up in the weeks ahead as we learn to implement the “full armor of God.”
By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life.
Nathanael answered him, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you are the king of Israel!”
John 1:49
I found it difficult to read this passage and not get caught up in all of the details. I underlined and circled and colored in words. Words and phrases that gave insight into Jesus’ interest in those around Him and His willingness and purposefulness in seeking them out. I love seeing the way He interacted and communicated with these men – men that would ultimately become His companions and friends. I love the way He saw them before they saw Him and how He revealed Himself and even dealt with the ‘doubter” subtly. I watched with interest as the men began to share Him with others- to approach Him and respond to Him. Jesus was connecting with them – setting the stage – perhaps cultivating the soil of their hearts and minds
Then there’s our focus verse where Nathanael moves from his platform of questioning – “what good could come from Nazareth?” (46) – to declaring Jesus, from Nazareth, to be not just a Rabbi (teacher) but the Son of God, and even The King of Israel, (49). What moved Nathanael from snarky doubter to firm believer? I believe it was because Jesus met him where he was. He saw him under the fig tree before Philip found him and by the words Jesus spoke in verse 47, He apparently heard his snarky, if not rude and judgmental comment about those from Nazareth – and yet He did not turn away from him but engaged with him. Actually, it is believed by some that the comment of verse 47 was meant to be a gentle response to Nathanael’s words in 46, a reminder to him of the wrongness of judging someone by their heritage. Which, by Nathanael’s reply, “How do you know about me?”, did not go unnoticed but rather seems to have moved Nathanael’s heart to believe. (Visit https://www.bibleref.com/John/1/John-1-47.html for more)
““How do you know about me?” Nathanael asked. Jesus replied, “I could see you under the fig tree before Philip found you.””
John 1:48 NLT
So, who do you say Jesus is? Is he simply a teacher? Do you know Him as the Son of God who came to save the world? Do you recognize Him as the King of the Jews? Or, like Nathanael, do you proclaim Jesus is all of these things and more?
Me From the Inside Out 