Read John 20:1-2. Circle the word(s) that stand out to you. What is the Lord saying to you?
1Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene went to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the entrance. 2 So she came running to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one Jesus loved, and said, “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we don’t know where they have put him!”
Reflections on the Word.
In the Asian culture, there is a tradition called “Ching Ming.” It is the visiting the graves of our beloved parents and ancestors. It’s showing respect to the deceased by cleaning the grave site, bringing flowers, and even offering food to them. To be clear, I am not advocating for ancestorial worship.
It’s sad to see so many cemeteries overgrown with weeds and tombstones faded or fallen. After one generation, few individuals remember who was buried where. I am proud that at least on Veterans Day, our nation remembers our fallen soldiers.
Mary Magdelene was one of the women who saw where Jesus was buried. She remembered the cave where Jesus’ body was laid. The text states this, “Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene went to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the entrance” (NIV). It was the women who went to the tomb of Jesus.
I would have thought at least one of the disciples of Jesus would have accompanied them. Maybe, they were still sleeping being overwhelmed with grief. Maybe, it was shame that kept them from going. But the women loved Jesus even though he was dead. The disciples at least respected their teacher, perhaps even loved him. But on that morning, they didn’t display that love by going with the women.
When was the last time you and I visit the gravesites of our loved ones, including our grandparents. Do we have any old photos of them? Do our children or grandchildren know who they are? Do know where they are buried?
Yes, there will be a grand reunion at the return of Jesus Christ. Let us not forget those who have gone before us and their contributions to our lives. Yes, it may cost a few dollars and a few days to travel to their gravesites. But let us not forget our parents or grandparents who contributed or influenced our lives. Let’s go and share with others how they blessed our lives and how that has affected our relationship with our children. Greater still, let’s remember our Lord and Savior and share how He has changed our lives.
-Kingston