KJV John 20:15  “She, supposing Him to be the Gardener, saith unto Him …”

NASB John 20:15  “Supposing Him to be the gardener, she said to Him…”

KJV John 20:21 “As My Father hath sent Me, even so send I you.”

NASB John 20:21  “As the Father has sent Me, I also send you.” 

KJV John 20:28  “My Lord and my God.”

NASB John 20:28  “My Lord and my God!”

The appearances of the Lord in resurrection during that 40-day interval before He returned to Heaven are a picture of His present ministry for us at God’s right hand. John records at least three appearances not related by the synoptic writers. Each appearance displays a different facet of His roles and His glory.

The Gardener and Weeds

The Lord’s interaction with Mary Magdalene is a touching unfolding of His Shepherd heart. Her doctrine was weak, but her devotion was evident. It is amazing to consider that the first words of the resurrected, triumphant Christ were, “Woman, why weepest thou?”

To her tear-filled eyes, He appeared to be the Gardener. Though mistaken, she was correct. He is the Gardener of our souls. In these appearances, He is seen in Gardener character removing the weeds from the souls of His own. He must remove the weed of ignorance from John and Peter’s hearts. Then, in the case of Mary Magdalene, He must remove the weed of overwhelming sorrow that will hinder spiritual soul-fruitfulness. He will move to the upper room and remove the choking weeds of fear in the ten, and then those of a contentious and stubborn nature from Thomas.

The Guide for Our Work

In vv 19-22, the Lord appeared in the upper room to remove fear from the hearts of the gathered followers but also to direct them in their service. He gave instructions, incentives, and the necessary equipping for the task He assigned.

This scene depicts neither a miniature Pentecost nor a special privilege to forgive sins. He simply gave them power, just as the Spirit of God came on Old Testament believers and instructed them to go and announce the forgiveness of sins. 

The God Whom We Worship

The details surrounding Thomas’s absence and subsequent attendance in the upper room a week later are well known. Here, despite the hardness and stubbornness of his prior claims to the ten, he utters the highest form of worship in his confession: “My Lord and my God!” This lofty confession dispels any argument against the deity of Christ. It ranks as possibly the highest expression of praise and worship given to the Lord while here on earth. It takes place with the other four confessions marked by” My Lord.” 

He is our Gardener, Guide, and God. May we worship Him.

Consider

Find the other four confessions to the Lord Jesus as “My Lord.”