Ever have your world totally collapse around you? The central focus of your life ripped away? That’s what happened to a first-century Christ-follower named Mary Magdalene. Consider three things about Mary that have relevance to us as we approach Easter 2016.
First, think about her background. Mark’s gospel (16:9) alludes to her mental instability and demonic influence prior to meeting Jesus. She grew up in the town of Magdala, on the southern plain of Genessaret, an area known for demonic activity (Gadara was not too far away). She was not the prostitute of Luke 7:17, as some have suggested—that context mentions both separately. Though not immoral, she was a sinner, and led a very troubled life.
Then she met Jesus, and two incredible things happened. He miraculously set her free from the diabolical bondage that had been her life to that point. Then He became the focus of her life, as she joined several other women who traveled with and supported Jesus and his disciples around the cities and villages of first-century Palestine. She must have developed a servant’s heart, as her devotion carried her throughout the balance of her Savior’s career. In fact, she was present as Jesus suffered the horror of death by crucifixion, and three of the gospels record her watching as His body was removed from the cross. Mark notes (15:47) that she and another Mary of the women who had followed Him watched as His body was sealed in Joseph of Arimathea’s tomb. How hopeless she must have felt, as she went home with her companion and prepared spices to anoint Jesus body with spices following the Sabbath.
Which leads us to her Sunday morning trip to the tomb. John’s gospel places the spotlight directly on Mary Magdalene, while the other three evangelists mention the other women who accompanied her. A master of using words to set tone and mood, John observed that their trip to the tomb occurred “while it was still dark,” Mark noted the subject of their conversation—who would move the heavy stone that had been used to seal the tomb. Clearly this was a grim group, in no way expecting anything more than the unpleasant task of completing the first-century equivalent to embalming.
Like other Christ-followers, Mary had heard Jesus speak of being raised from the dead. But like the apostles and others who followed Him, and like many of our day, she didn’t put it together.
How shocked she and the others must have been to arrive to see that the “very large” stone had been “rolled up” out of the way! Mark noted the alarm they felt, and John records Mary’s response. Rushing back to Peter and John, she reported that Jesus’ body had been stolen. That, from her perspective, was the only possible explanation. And while we may, from our perspective knowing “the rest of the story”, be tempted to say, “Don’t you get it, Mary,” her response is totally understandable.
It is precisely at this point that she experienced her encounter with the Master. After John records his and Peter’s faith experience, he returns to Mary, standing in the garden wailing hopelessly. Now, tears are appropriate when we feel grief—after all, Jesus wept (John 11:35). Amazing—she has seen two angels—men in dazzling white robes (Luke 24:4). She has heard their message—He is risen!
But in her confusion and grief, she does not recognize the Individual who asks, “Why are you weeping?” Through her tears she explains her acute loss, and asks if he has taken Jesus’ body away.
Then, following His two gentle yet probing questions, He calls her by name.
“Mary”
With that, suddenly the light dawns! Her beloved Jesus has indeed risen from the dead! Her faith is confirmed. Furthermore, Jesus has a job for her—“Go and tell…” It’s the same job assigned to Christ-followers today.
So, in light of Mary Magdalene’s story, where are you today? Have you considered the evidence of over five hundred eyewitnesses who actually, physically saw Jesus alive after His death and burial? Have you trusted Him as your own Savior and Lord, as Mary did?
If so, as a Christ-follower, what is the level of your devotion to Him today? Easter is a great time to re-evaluate the outworking of our faith. Are we spending time in prayer? In His Word? Worshipping with a faith community?
Perhaps like Mary you feel overwhelmed with losses and grief. Your world has collapsed, and life seems in ruins. Easter is a great time to see what God is doing, and can do in your life.
Finally, just as with Mary, once you have recognized Him and reaffirmed your faith commitment, the instructions are clear. “Go and tell….” Is there someone—family, friend, fellow-worker—He is prompting you to share the best news ever with? You may be the very person who can best introduce them to the risen Savior.
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