“At dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to look at the tomb.” Matthew 28:1-10
Imagine the emotional turmoil in Jerusalem during Passover Week. Even before Jesus’ arrest, the twin curses of confusion and chaos had been unleashed. Judas, one of the chosen, betrayed his King. Their Messiah had been unmercifully beaten and crucified. A living nightmare unfolded for the disciples, and Jesus’ followers. One can almost taste and smell the vile injustice and cowardice. Where were they to turn now?
Picture Mary Magdalene and the women—trudging to the tomb, hearts broken and numb. Most likely their minds recalled every conversation they had with Jesus. Perhaps, none could move beyond their grief.
Mary must have felt panicked when she saw the stone had been rolled away. She wasted no time in running to tell Simon Peter and John to come see. John not only saw; he quickly determined that Jesus had resurrected and believed.
As the men left for home, Mary remained weeping, not grasping the miracle. When she looked inside the tomb, she saw two angels who asked, “Woman, why are you weeping?” After explaining to them that her Lord had been taken away, she turned around and saw another man who was Jesus. But she didn’t recognize Him.
Picture, for a moment, this sorrowful scene. Mary is beyond being emotionally distraught; she cannot recognize her Teacher, the very one for whom she is grieving. She is exhausted and mistakes Him for the gardener. But at the sound of Jesus’ voice, when He says, “Mary,” she immediately recognizes Him and replies, “Rabboni!” Her Teacher, who was dead for three days, was now miraculously alive. Mary’s belief in the fact that Jesus had resurrected makes her one of the first believers.
The poignancy of this resurrection moment is so powerful it makes me want to stop and shout, Hallelujah!! But Jesus immediately gives Mary a directive and a mission: 1) “Do not cling to Me,” and 2) “Go tell My brethren I ascend to My Father and Your Father, and My God and your God.”
If we look closer at Mary Magdalene, there are several things that speak of her faith. She was:
Devoted and Grateful
Jesus had cast out seven demons from Mary. She had been freed from the bondage of Satan, seven times over. Imagine the depth of her gratefulness! Jesus’ love had transformed Mary into a new creature, with a new attitude, and, most importantly, a new spirit. Her radical life-change directly impacted her devotion to and faith in Jesus.
Listening
Having a bit of ADD as a young girl, I recall my dad advising, “Listen up, girl.” Distraction is a black hole of befuddlement. Those were the times I lost the message and the meaning. It seems Mary’s born-again experience motivated her spiritually to listen to Jesus’ message. His teachings directly impacted the things she heard so she could trust Him fully.
Faithful
After witnessing Jesus’ barbaric crucifixion, Mary’s grief and confusion became profound; this could have stymied her faith. The unsettling flashbacks could have overwhelmed her. But Mary’s faith in Jesus spoke of bold authenticity. She would not be moved. Ultimately, Jesus blessed her with His first post resurrection apparition.
In the face of adversity, such as our present pandemic, I tend to get distracted by the “what-ifs” and “whys.” Studying these events permits me to see things clearly from God’s perspective. The Resurrection comes into its proper focus.
Since Jesus is the Resurrection, His blood sacrifice cancels all sins for all eternity to any who believe. Resurrection is validation that we are God’s children and are part of His family.
Jesus’ resurrection frees us to boldly proclaim with full hearts: “Christ the Lord is risen today. Hallelujah! He is risen, indeed! Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah!”
Lord Jesus,
Words cannot adequately express our thanks to You for the free gift of Eternal Life. Teach us to be effective Resurrection people every day of the year, so that You would be lifted high and glorified. We pray this in your holy name. Amen.
~ Jan O’Neal | April 12, 2020
Bibliography:
Matthew 28:10
Luke 9: 31
Luke 18:31-33
Luke 18:34
John 20:1-2, 20:11-16
Hebrews 11:1-3
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