By Michael A. Youssef, Ph.D.
Read John 20:15-18.
Mary had likely heard Jesus say He would rise on the third day—yet grief blinded her to hope. Then everything changed with one word: “Mary” (John 20:16). In an instant, sorrow became joy, depression turned to delight, and her tears transformed from sadness to gladness as she recognized her living Savior.
In today’s episode of the MY Devotional Podcast, Dr. Michael Youssef explains why Jesus’ next words matter so deeply: “Do not hold on to me…” (John 20:17). Christ wasn’t rejecting Mary—He was preparing her for a new reality. He would ascend to the Father and send the Holy Spirit, the Advocate who makes it possible for every believer to enjoy a deep, intimate, ever-growing relationship with Jesus—every day, everywhere.
Dr. Youssef also offers a sobering reminder: many Christians live as though Jesus died but never rose. When we function like the resurrection isn’t real, discouragement, hopelessness, and heaviness follow. But the good news is you can return to the empty tomb—renew your surrender to Christ—and exchange depression for delight, because the risen Jesus is with you always and will never let you go (Matthew 28:20).
Prayer: Father, You have called me by name, and I belong to You. Therefore, may I live with joy and confidence. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.
“Jesus said to her, ‘Mary.’ She turned toward him and cried out in Aramaic, ‘Rabboni!’ (which means ‘Teacher’)” (John 20:16).
Learn more in Dr. Michael A. Youssef’s sermon Our Tears and the Resurrection of Jesus: WATCH NOW | LISTEN NOW
The voice you hear on the MY Devotional podcast is digitally generated with Dr. Youssef's permission. If today’s devotional stirred a question, burden, or need for prayer, you don’t have to walk through it alone.
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