Happy Resurrection Day!!!

Of all of the events surrounding Jesus' death, burial and resurrection, my favorite moment is recorded in the Gospel of John.  It's found in chapter 20....in verses 14-16.

Mary Magdalene stood outside the empty tomb weeping.  Two angels ~ one seated where Jesus' head would've been and the other where His body was lain.  He wasn't there.  The angels knew where He was -- RISEN!!!!  Mary did not...thus the weeping.  Mary implored the angels to tell her where they put the body.  Here's my FAVORITE part....

Verses 14-16...
And when she had thus said, she turned herself back, and saw Jesus standing, and knew not that it was Jesus. 

Jesus saith unto her, "Woman, why weepest thou? Whom seekest thou?"

She, supposing Him to be the gardener, saith unto Him, "Sir, if thou have borne Him hence, tell me where thou hast laid him, and I will take Him away."

Jesus saith unto her, "Mary."

One word.  He spoke her name and she knew.  She answered Him, "Master."

The great compassion He extended to her.  He could've called out arrogantly, "Weren't you listening?  Didn't you believe when I said I would suffer, die and rise again the third day?"  No.  He did not ask her those rhetorical questions.  Instead He gave her grace and mercy...which if we were honest, we would see how He daily extends those things to us...and we are too be tools and vessels to extend His grace / mercy / compassion to others.