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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If you’ve been blessed by this podcast, please consider a tax-deductible donation to help extend this ministry—so another person can be encouraged, prayed for, and pointed to Christ.

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By Michael A. Youssef, Ph.D.

Read John 20:11-15.

Mary Magdalene had been rescued by Jesus from seven demons—and from the crushing shame of sin—so her devotion ran deep (Luke 8:2). While others fled in fear, Mary stayed near Jesus through His suffering and crucifixion, steadfast and unashamed. She saw enough to know He truly died, so when His body was missing from the tomb, she assumed the only explanation: someone had stolen Him.

Then came the turning point. Through her tears, Mary was asked twice why she was crying—first by angels, then by Jesus Himself: “Woman, why are you crying?” (John 20:15). Dr. Youssef explains that Jesus wasn’t dismissing her grief—He was lovingly correcting her conclusion. Her sorrow was rooted in a mistaken belief: she was searching for a corpse, but God had provided a living, resurrected Savior.

This devotional meets us in our own distress. Job loss, frightening diagnoses, family turmoil, lingering fear—so often we weep because we can’t see the risen Jesus at work in the midst of the trouble. Christ’s question still presses us toward clarity: Who are you looking for—and what are you assuming about God’s power right now? When you recognize that Jesus is alive and present, despair gives way to hope, and temporary sorrow is reshaped by eternal confidence.

Prayer: Lord, help me to remember that my tears are unnecessary. Though this life will have sorrow, all my trials pale in comparison to the glory that awaits me in You. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

“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’” (John 20:15).

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.

🙏 Pastoral Care & Prayer Teams
Our trained prayer partners and pastoral care team are available to pray with you and offer Biblical support.
https://ltw.org/care

💬 Receive personal answers to your faith questions—anytime, day or night—at:
https://myfaithassistant.com

If you’ve been blessed by this podcast, please consider a tax-deductible donation to help extend this ministry—so another person can be encouraged, prayed for, and pointed to Christ.

❤️ Support Leading The Way:
https://www.ltw.org/donate

By Michael A. Youssef, Ph.D.

Read John 19:28-30.

Just before He died, Jesus declared, “It is finished” (John 19:30). In English it’s three words, but in Greek it’s a single, triumphant word: Tetelestai—a perfect passive verb meaning the work has been fully accomplished, and its effects continue on and on.

In today’s episode of the MY Devotional Podcast, Dr. Michael Youssef unpacks why that matters for your faith right now. On the cross, Jesus completed everything necessary for salvation—atonement for sin, forgiveness, reconciliation with the Father, and an everlasting place in God’s family. And because Christ’s sacrifice is sufficient, its life-changing power continues to reach people from every nation as they confess Jesus as Lord and believe God raised Him from the dead.

Dr. Youssef also reminds us this has always been God’s plan: Old Testament believers were saved by faith in what God would accomplish through the coming Messiah. From Genesis to the prophets to the Psalms, Scripture anticipated the moment the serpent-crushing Savior would declare, Tetelestai—and nothing can separate those in Christ from God’s love.

This episode calls you to rest in the finished work of Jesus—and to proclaim it boldly to a world still trying to earn what Christ has already completed.

Prayer: Lord, I praise You that it is finished! By Your incredible grace, You have redeemed me from the grave. May I lovingly and boldly share Your Good News with those You put in my life. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

“When he had received the drink, Jesus said, ‘It is finished.’ With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit” (John 19:30).

Learn more in Dr. Michael A. Youssef’s sermon It Is Finished: 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.

🙏 Pastoral Care & Prayer Teams
Our trained prayer partners and pastoral care team are available to pray with you and offer Biblical support.
https://ltw.org/care

💬 Receive personal answers to your faith questions—anytime, day or night—at:
https://myfaithassistant.com

If you’ve been blessed by this podcast, please consider a tax-deductible donation to help extend this ministry—so another person can be encouraged, prayed for, and pointed to Christ.

❤️ Support Leading The Way:
https://www.ltw.org/donate