Why Are You Sad?

And they say unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? She saith unto them, Because they have taken away my Lord, and I know not where they have laid him. 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. – John 20:13-15

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Similar to Jesus’ birth, the manner of his Resurrection – solitary and with little fanfare – did not glorify himself, but the Father.

In both his first and second physical lives, he reined in his omnipotence. He did not seek vengeance on the doubters and the haters. He personified meekness.

Compassionate throughout his ministry, he sought to comfort his followers and fulfill their physical and emotional needs first.

And he said unto them, What manner of communications are these that ye have one to another, as ye walk, and are sad? – Luke 24:17

As we see from his interactions with Mary Magdalene at the tomb, and with his followers on the road to Emmaus, he was more interested in relieving their sadness and alleviating their fears, after all they had suffered, than in justifying himself, after all he had suffered.

That dear, unselfish Friend is the same Jesus who lives within us, as Christians.

Unobtrusive, infinitely kind, he listens with empathy when we cry. He is never overwhelmed by our deepest emotions; rather, he invites us to pour our hearts out to him.

When we need him to, he listens in comforting silence.

Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort. – 2 Corinthians 1:3

And when we are ready, he always knows the right thing to say. After all, having suffered so much, and being both “Wonderful” and our “Counselor,” he offers the wisest advice anyone ever could.

No matter what we are going through, he can provide peace and joy.

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And they rose up the same hour, and returned to Jerusalem, and found the eleven gathered together, and them that were with them, Saying, The Lord is risen indeed, and hath appeared to Simon. And they told what things were done in the way, and how he was known of them in breaking of bread. And as they thus spake, Jesus himself stood in the midst of them, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you. But they were terrified and affrighted, and supposed that they had seen a spirit. And he said unto them, Why are ye troubled? and why do thoughts arise in your hearts? Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have. And when he had thus spoken, he shewed them his hands and his feet. And while they yet believed not for joy, and wondered, he said unto them, Have ye here any meat?….Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures….And they worshiped him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy. – Luke 24: 33-41, 45, 52

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