The Gospel of John 20:18 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“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.” (John 20:18 NIV).

In an era of prejudicially charged culture, where women were treated intellectually inferior, no one would have thought of the most compelling assignment Mary was entrusted with by the risen Lord Jesus Christ. We know that she witnessed the Lord’s crucifixion ordeal. She was the only woman not affiliated to the physical family of the Lord standing at the foot of the cross. She was one of the first - together with other women - another Mary, Salome and Joanna, at the empty tomb to see and talk to the Lord (Matthew 28:1-8; Mark 16:1-8; Luke 24:1-12). And with the Lord’s instruction, she hurriedly finds the Lord’s disciples to share her encounter. She declares to them that she has seen the Lord and relayed the pivotal message the Lord entrusted to her. “Jesus said, “…‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’ ”” (John 20:17b NIV).

This message brings to light the deep familial intimacy established between the Lord and us - His post-resurrection believers. This reminds us that we share in the divine inheritance and relation with God that the Lord Jesus enjoyed. This bond is rooted in hope, grace and faith that the Holy Bible brings, encouraging us to trust in God's promises and the power of the Lord’s resurrection, as reflected in this passage. This ought to draw us - each and every believer, to share our experiences in Christ Jesus, thereby fostering community in faith as children of the Most High God.

Now in Christ Jesus by faith, with the Holy Spirit in us, as adoptive children of God, by Him we cry, ‘Abba Father’ (Romans 8:15). Yes, by this good news of our Lord’s resurrection, that Mary had the privilege to share first - “The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.” (Romans 8:16-17 ESV).

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

When God says... I say, AMEN! is a provocative reflection of the Lord's holy Word. It intends to challenge every seeker of truth to dig deep into the core of the Word of Life to point every being to Christ Jesus - the author and finisher of our faith, and to draw revelations for change, for nourishment and for strength of every soul.

Partners For Christ Ministries, INC
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Touching lives in Cambodia, The Philippines, The Middle East, The USA, and... other countries.