Having said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing, but she did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?” Supposing him to be the gardener, she said to him, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away.” Jesus said to her, “Mary.” (John 20:14–16).
Admittedly, Jesus did not say, “Fear Not” to Mary. But really, isn’t that what He was saying? Fear not… grieve not… worry not… yearn no more… I’m Here Again!
There’s a lot in that one word, “Mary.”
Just like there is a lot in that one moment of Christ’s Resurrection. It’s one microsecond of an event. But it changes everything.
The WORST thing that can happen, death, is de-fanged.
The WORST result of our sin, death, is changed.
The WORST enemy of God and God’s people, is vanquished.
So no matter what you are facing… no matter how bad your morning… no matter what trouble, pain, worry, or low expectations are keeping you from joy, Jesus is looking at you and saying your name. But what He means is, “Fear Not.”
Don’t be afraid… because of the Resurrection.