Today’s Reflection
MARY’S WORLD has been turned upside down. Jesus has died. What can she do; where can she go? She decides to go to Jesus’ tomb to be with him. There, Jesus appears to her, though she doesn’t recognize him. Jesus asks her, “Why are you weeping? Whom are you looking for?” The second question is almost exactly the same as the question Jesus asks his disciples in John 1:38: “What are you looking for?” The question is still about seeking. Mary Magdalene is searching for Jesus. She cries because she doesn’t know what to do or where to go without him. Then Jesus speaks her name. And she recognizes him. “Rabbouni!” she exclaims. He is her teacher, the one whom she follows, whom she seeks. Our question for today is this: Who or what are we seeking? What would bring us sorrow if it were lost? Our answer may not be (at least not exclusively) Jesus. If so, we can be honest with Jesus about that. When we listen for Jesus to speak our name, no matter how often we get confused or distracted, we know that he is always and everywhere seeking us.
—Matthew Croasmun
Let Me Ask You a Question: Conversations with Jesus (Upper Room Books, 2018)
Learn more about or purchase this book.
Today’s Question
Who are you looking for? Share your thoughts.
Today’s Scripture
When Jesus turned and saw them following, he said to them, “What are you looking for?” They said to him, “Rabbi” (which translated means Teacher), “where are you staying?” He said to them, “Come and see.”
—John 1:38-39a (NRSV)
Prayer for the Week
Lord, help me know the difference between what you ask of me and what the world asks of me. Submit your prayer to The Upper Room Prayer Center or share it in the comment section.
Something More
As Christians, we hunger to know and live out God’s purposes for our lives. But how do we know for certain that our choices are moving us in the right direction? Learn more about Which Way, Lord? – a 6-session churchwide or small-group study that will help you understand God’s desire for your life.
Lectionary Readings
(Courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library)
Looking for lectionary-based resources? Learn more about The Upper Room Disciplines.
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5 Comments
At this point in my life I think it best to look for God, family, and the welfare of others.
A wonderful walk through the woods around Echo Lake yesterday beneath the towering cliffs of Cathedral Rock. Sunshine, cooler temps, and low humidity made it very enjoyable.
Learned of the passing of my wife’s aunt. Have wonderful memories of Auntie Young Hee.
Prayers always for the UR family’s health, safety, well-being, travel, moves, back to school, and thankful for their prayers. Progress in different areas is being made. Thank You, Lord.
Jill, tough news as you start a new school year, yes, prayers for every need and concern mentioned. Anchored to the Rock, firm in our faith, we will not be shaken.
Julie, thank you for your prayers, your faith will sustain you.
Thank you Mary for your continuous support for the UR family.
Thanks Robert!
Jill, may God be your source of strength and his presence be so close to you, your students’ family and friends’ family.
Thank you God that we can always look for you and you are always there for us.
Blessings!
Prayers for the sick and people who are going through crisis and tough times.
May God give us hope and comfort!
Currnently I am seeking God and His direction for me. He revealed to me that I am a caregiver at heart. This is the gift He gave me, but I ssek His direction as to its use. The destination must be amenable with my limitations.
Prayers dear Jill, for you, your students, especially the one that lost her father, and your friends and their families. So much suffering and pain, my heart cries with yours and theirs. Yes, God alon is our rock and our stonghold especially during such buffeting by so many strong and relentless storms. Climb upon Him and seek refuge from the waves and grow strong and sure in order to support others.
Prayers Robert for your ability to find the beauty in each of your home areas. I also receive the UR sight psalm and the daily photos are breathtaking. Prayers for your sorrow for the loss of a beloved aunt in law.
Prayers Mary, thank you for your prayers and your joy.
Prayers for healing for Andrea, Connie, Erich, and Marcy.
Prayers for successful new beginnings for Betsy, Lou and her daughter.
Prayers, blessings, warm hugs and thank you to all who visit and rest awhile
Too many times I am looking to myself for sufficiency. My eyes need to be on Him. The devil is quick to pounce on my laziness.
From The Message, Psalm 62. It begins – “God, the one and only – I’ll wait as long as He says.” Yes, we desire this to be our plea…in Your timing, Lord. But how wearying it can be. This made me think of you, Julie. How he is asking you to continue to endure…may your heart’s cry continually return to this – “I’ll wait as long as He says.” He will provide the strength, even when it seems impossible and far too much.
Robert – condolences on the passing of your aunt.
My students’ father’s funeral will be in town this Saturday afternoon. I am still waiting to hear when the funeral for my friend’s dad will be. It will likely be two hours to the south. I am hoping they do not conflict with each other Saturday.
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