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"Why Are You Crying?"

Mary Magdalene had been forever changed by the power and the love of Jesus. Scripture tells us that she had been set free from 7 demons!! Before Mary Magdalene met Jesus - she was a mess. She probably did not fit into normal society and was more animal than human. She had been created by God ... was made in the image of God ... but was strangled by Satan.

When Mary Magdalene's life was swept clean and put in order by Jesus, we know that she would not leave Jesus' side. She was desperate for His presence and followed Christ out of love and out of desperation for the power that only He could give. Mary Magdalene ministered to Jesus, took care of Him and His disciples and served them. (See Luke 8: 1-3 and Mark 15: 40 & 41)

Mary Magdalene was the first one to arrive at the tomb early one spring morning. The last three days had been devastating for Mary Magdalene - her heart was broken and she had probably been crying continuously. As she approached the tomb, Mary Magdalene was emotionally spent but came to minister to Jesus one last time. (John 20)

When Mary encountered Jesus, because she was consumed with her sorrow, she did not even recognize Him. Jesus looked at her, just as He had thousands of times before, and asked, "Woman, why are you weeping?" Jesus continues to ask women that very question today ... "Why are you weeping?" "Don't you know?" "Haven't you heard?!" "It's Easter!!"

No matter what you are going through ... no matter what your tragedy is or how severe your disappointments are ... I hope that you will always recognize Jesus in the midst of your pain. Jesus looks at us with tenderness in His love-filled eyes and wonders why we continue to weep! The presence of Jesus will turn your cemetery into a place of celebration!