The Power of a Word

I am in awe of how much words can mean to us. Especially, the right word at a time of need. The greatest example of this is found when Mary Magdalene was weeping at Christ’s empty tomb. She had endured His death on a cross, had helped to prepare the body for burial and had likely watched as the large stone was rolled to seal the door. The one she loved had been taken from her. He had released her from demons and had raised others from death, but how could he raise himself? Now, she had been shocked to see the stone rolled away and the body gone. Who would have done so vile a thing to take a dead body? Her pain worsened and she was broken and wept profusely. Through her tears she heard the voices of two angels as she entered the tomb. Why do you weep? They have taken away my Lord and I do not know where they have taken Him was all she could say through the tears. Her only thought was to again lay Him to rest and honor Him even in death. Then, she turned to leave or perhaps she had heard a sound behind her. Through tears she saw a man standing outside the tomb. Again, she was asked why she was weeping. Again, in hope she asked if he had taken the body. She pleaded to have him back. But, instead, Jesus called her by name, “Mary”. In an instant her pain became immense joy for the tenderness of the voice told her that this was the man she cared for. He was no longer dead but stood there before her. Now, she recognized Him and longed to embrace Him but could not for He had not yet risen. The power of a single word had changed her future just as He had forgiven her the past. Now, her tears were tears of joy and she rushed to share the news of Christ’s arising with the others. Now, she, and we can face tomorrow with the hope of rising from earthy death just as Christ had. All through the power of a single word spoken in compassion.

Joh 20:11 But Mary stood outside of the tomb, weeping. And as she wept, she stooped down into the tomb.
Joh 20:12 And she saw two angels in white sitting there, the one at the head and the other at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain.
Joh 20:13 And they said to her, Woman, why do you weep? She said to them, Because they have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid Him.
Joh 20:14 And when she had said this, she turned backward and saw Jesus standing, but she did not know that it was Jesus.
Joh 20:15 Jesus said to her, Woman, why do you weep? Whom do you seek? Supposing Him to be the gardener, she said to Him, Sir, if you have carried Him away from here, tell me where you have laid Him and I will take Him away.
Joh 20:16 Jesus said to her, Mary! She turned herself and said to Him, Rabboni! (which is to say, Master!)