Luke 8:1-3 (NIV)

After this, Jesus traveled about from one town and village to another, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God. The Twelve were with him, 2 and also some women who had been cured of evil spirits and diseases: Mary (called Magdalene) from whom seven demons had come out; 3 Joanna the wife of Chuza, the manager of Herod’s household; Susanna; and many others. These women were helping to support them out of their own means.

John 19:25 (NIV)

25 Near the cross of Jesus stood his mother, his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene.

Mark 16:1-2 (NIV)

When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices so that they might go to anoint Jesus’ body. 2 Very early on the first day of the week, just after sunrise, they were on their way to the tomb

John 20:1-2 (NIV)

Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene went to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the entrance. 2 So she came running to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one Jesus loved, and said, “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we don’t know where they have put him!”

John 20:10-16 (NIV)

10 Then the disciples went back to where they were staying.

Jesus Appears to Mary Magdalene

11 Now Mary stood outside the tomb crying. As she wept, she bent over to look into the tomb 12 and saw two angels in white, seated where Jesus’ body had been, one at the head and the other at the foot.
13 They asked her, “Woman, why are you crying?”

“They have taken my Lord away,” she said, “and I don’t know where they have put him.” 14 At this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not realize that it was Jesus.

15 He asked her, “Woman, why are you crying? Who is it you are looking for?” Thinking he was the gardener, she said, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will get him.” 16 Jesus said to her, “Mary.” She turned toward him and cried out in Aramaic, “Rabboni!” (which means “Teacher”).

FEAR IS LOST IN THE FACE OF JESUS

The Bible says there are two kinds of fear:

1. A respectful, reverential fear of God, which is a good thing; the Bible says it leads to wisdom, peace, rest and contentment.

Psalm 111:10 (NIV)

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom;
all who follow his precepts have good understanding.
To him belongs eternal praise.

Proverbs 19:23 (NIV)

The fear of the Lord leads to life;
then one rests content, untouched by trouble.

2. A feeling of anxiety or alarm, terror or panic, which is not good but is taken away by God.

Psalm 34:4 (NIV)

I sought the Lord, and he answered me;
he delivered me from all my fears.

2 Timothy 1:7 (NIV)

7 For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.

John 14:27 (NIV)

27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

Isaiah 43:1-5 (MSG)

1-4 But now, God’s Message,
the God who made you in the first place, Jacob,
the One who got you started, Israel:
“Don’t be afraid, I’ve redeemed you.
I’ve called your name. You’re mine.
When you’re in over your head, I’ll be there with you.
When you’re in rough waters, you will not go down.
When you’re between a rock and a hard place,
it won’t be a dead end—
Because I am God, your personal God,
The Holy of Israel, your Savior.
I paid a huge price for you:
all of Egypt, with rich Cush and Seba thrown in!
That’s how much you mean to me!
That’s how much I love you!
I’d sell off the whole world to get you back,
trade the creation just for you.
5 “So don’t be afraid: I’m with you.
I’ll round up all your scattered children,
pull them in from east and west.

LOSS IS LOST IN THE FACE OF JESUS

There are three kinds of loss that we experience:

1. Loss of stuff, possessions;
2. Loss of relationships;
3. Loss of faith or trust.

Matthew 5:4 (NIV)

Blessed are those who mourn,
for they will be comforted.

Psalm 16:8-11 (NIV)

8 I keep my eyes always on the Lord.
With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken.
9 Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices;
my body also will rest secure,
10 because you will not abandon me to the realm of the dead,
nor will you let your faithful one see decay.
11 You make known to me the path of life;
you will fill me with joy in your presence,
with eternal pleasures at your right hand.

For My Personal Time With God This Week:

[#1] Take a moment to re-read this crucial encounter Mary Magdalene had with Jesus in John 20, reading it as if you were Mary. How does this story impact you? Why?
[#2] Take some time this week to be thoughtful about the fears and feelings of loss in your life today. Write them down. What are they? How long have they been there? Have they held on longer than you would have anticipated? What if you were to resolve yourself to get lost in the presence of Jesus?
[#3] Read the final week’s readings as part of the Community Bible Experience. As you read, find yourself in the story — how your life and experiences match what you are reading.
[#4] As you do your readings, consider these 5 questions (which will be the 5 questions everyone shares in their book clubs next week):
1. What’s something you noticed for the first time?
2. What questions did you have?
3. Was there anything that bothered you?
4. What did you learn about loving God?
5. What did you learn about loving others?