During this past Holy Week, I decided to read through the gospel of John (3 chapters a day gets you there…although be ready, as they are quite long chapters :).
In John 20, Mary Magdalene interacts with Jesus. Although much is unique to John’s gospel, this conversation is truly unique. Mary goes looking for Jesus, ready to care for his body…but as we know, He is risen. At this point, she goes and finds the disciples. Peter and John come running, confirm the story, and head home. However, Mary lingers…and cries (vs. 11). She finally decides to leave, but she sees someone that she doesn’t recognize in the garden. As the story goes, the unknown person turns out not to be the gardener that Mary thought, but instead, Jesus.
Mary had a problem that we all have at times. She went looking for the Friday Jesus, but the man she met was the Sunday Jesus. On the one hand, there’s no difference. On the other hand, there’s all the difference in the world.
Friday Jesus died. Sunday Jesus lives.
Friday Jesus succumbs. Sunday Jesus overcomes.
Friday Jesus descends. Sunday Jesus ascends.
Friday Jesus is physically finite. Sunday Jesus is truly infinite.
Friday Jesus said tell no one. Sunday Jesus says tell everyone.
Friday Jesus experienced ruin. Sunday Jesus offers restoration.
Friday Jesus was partially known. Sunday Jesus is fully known.
If you are a pastor, your calling may be clear, but over time, you might find yourself succumbing more than overcoming. After pastoring for almost 20 years, my natural tendency is to live out of a “Friday Jesus” mentality more than a “Sunday Jesus” life. Can you relate? If so, you aren’t alone. Thus, the need to be replenished and renewed. The need to proactively get away, get encouraged, and fight the tendency to see Jesus as a gardener instead of The Gardener! Maybe it’s a spiritual pilgrimage to a place that has special meaning. Maybe it’s a Replenish trip. Maybe it’s a conference, or simply a day alone with Him. Whatever it is, take time and make plans today to regain that Sunday Jesus life and leadership.
Notice, when Jesus says her name, “Mary,” she finally recognizes her Lord. Might Jesus be calling your name today, asking you to get away with him…asking you to look to Sunday and move past Friday? Jesus does that you know…He calls us by our name…He’s personal. He’s relational. He’s intimate. And maybe, just maybe, He’s calling your name today, desiring for you to see him in a new light, which begs the question…
Are we ministering in light of Friday Jesus…or Sunday Jesus? Are we living in light of Friday Jesus…or Sunday Jesus? In this post-Easter season, may we seek to lead, minister, and love in light of a Risen, Sunday, Jesus!
Lagnaippe Leadership 