Why Are You Crying | Rev Dr S.O. James

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(John 20:1-18)

People cry for many reasons; some because of loss (of properties, loved ones, etc), some because of sicknesses, affliction, oppression, poverty, and problem of all kinds. Indeed the list is endless. God is always interested in our condition. He desires to wipe away all tears and he desires that his children we have no reason to cry. This year you will not cry!

As we celebrate Easter at home this year and perhaps for the first time in our generation the Lord is leading me to ask you, why are you crying? What is the situation around you and in your family?

Why ARE YOU CRYING … … A DIVINE QUESTION –vs. 11-15 The question was asked twice and by two different persons.

 Two angels asked Mary the question –vs. 11-13; they were “seated where Jesus’ body had been, one at the head and the other at the foot.”

But she could not see Jesus.

Jesus, our Lord asked her the same question – vs. 14-15

This is significant; God did not just send the angels, Jesus himself was there to ask Mary why she was crying.

This shows clearly that God is interested in whatever you are passing through.

In addition, when God asks such a question, it is never out of pity, but always with readiness to provide a solution that will wipe away your tears.

Today, it is God that is asking you the question and not man; not the pastor, not your friend. Beloved, the master is asking you, why are you weeping at such a time like this? He is able to wipe away your tears.

Prophetic Declaration: This Easter the Lord will appear in your time of need and wipe away your tears.

WHY ARE YOU CRYING … … A DIVINE QUESTION IN TIME OF CONFUSION

Mary was in total confusion.

Her initial concern when she went to the tomb was “who will roll away the stone” – Mark 16:2-3, this was however met with a great When she got to the tomb she discovered the stone has been removed- Matthew 28:1-2.

Prophetic Declaration: This Easter your trouble and confusion will be met with divine surprise

Mary was excited to see that the stone has been removed but disappointed to note that Jesus’ body was missing in the tomb. Her excitement turned to disappointment and frustration.

Suddenly, she saw two angels in the tomb instead of Jesus.

She lamented in disappointment, “they have taken my Lord away

… and I don’t know where they have put him.”

Prophetic Declaration: You will hear divine voice calling in your moment of disappointment and frustration, and your disappointment will turn to testimony.

WHY ARE YOU CRYING … MESSAGE OF HELP IN OUR HELPLESSNESS- 2-10

 Mary was helpless

Initially, when Mary saw that Jesus’ body was missing in the tomb, she ran to call Simon Peter. Though Peter and one other disciple ran to the grave and met the situation just as Mary told them, they were helpless and hopeless. They could not help Mary in finding a solution to the problem.

They went back home leaving Mary alone to continue weeping at the tomb – vs. 10, 11.

Prophetic Declaration: Beloved, have you been left to continue to cry (at the tomb) even by those you think can probably provide a solution to your problem?

The Lord will soon wipe away your tears. When next those who saw you weeping will see you again, they will see you laughing and sharing your testimony

WHY ARE YOU CRYING … MESSAGE FROM DISAPPOINTMENT TO APPOINTMENT –vs. 14-17

Why Mary was sill crying (even in the presence of Jesus), the master called her and she recognized his voice.

Immediately, the master called her by name, the tears dried up from her eyes and she shouted with joy.

Prophetic Declaration: At the end of your disappointment and frustration you will shout with joy. You will become a carrier of good news.

The master then told her, “Do not hold on to me, for I have not yet returned to the father. Go instead to my brothers and tell them, ‘I am returning to my father and your father, to my God and your God.”’ –vs.17

Mary was thus commissioned as the bearer of the goodnews! She received a new appointment as bearer of goodnews.

WHY ARE YOU CRYING … … QUESTION THAT USHER IN GREAT TESTIMONY

 Three things happened to Mary after the divine encounter and divine commissioning:

She stopped crying: Her mourning turned to joy. Your mourning will turn to joy

She left the tomb. You will leave your tomb site; you will leave the place of hopelessness and helplessness.

She now has and shared a new story (vs. 18).

Before then, her story was “they have taken the Lord out of the tomb and we don’t know where they have put him!” (vs. 2), Now her story is “I have seen the Lord!” He is rising! (vs. 18)

Why are you crying? Have you seen the Lord? Do you know he is rising? He is the resurrection and the life (John 11:25-26). When you truly see the Lord he will wipe away your tears.

– He wiped away the tears of Mary and Martha when their brother, Lazarus sickness turned to death (John 11).

– He wiped away the tears of Jairus whose daughter was dead and people why crying and wailing in his house (Mark 5:22-24,35-42).

– He wiped away the tears of the widow of Nain who suffered a seemingly great and irreplaceable loss and was on her way to bury her only son (Luke 7:11-15).

– He is the resurrection and the life and he will wipe away your tears this Easter season

CONCLUSION

Why are you crying when the Lord is rising? He can and will wipe way your tears. However, his ultimate goal is not just to wipe away your tears but to give you a home with the father (John 20:18; John 14:1-2).