“It was Mary Magadelene…and the others…who told this to the apostles.” – Luke 24:10 (NIV)
It was early on Sunday morning when Jesus rose from the dead, and the first person who saw Him was Mary Magdalene, the woman from whom He had cast out seven demons. (Mark 16:9).
Mary Magdalene had grown up in Magdala, a prosperous town on the west bank of the Sea of Galilee. But she had not prospered. How could a woman thrive when she was filled with demons that controlled her mind?
But then Jesus came. Like no rabbi she had ever encountered. He seemed neither afraid nor repulsed by her illness. At His command, Mary was restored to her right mind, her bondage a thing of the past.
For approximately three years, she closely followed Him, providing for Him and His disciples out of her own purse. She was grateful to be close to Him, to witness healing after healing, and to be stirred, surprised, and refreshed by His teaching. This, indeed, was joy to a woman unaccustomed to same. What a transformation!
She was one of the few faithful followers present at Jesus’ death on the cross (Mark 15:40).
The risen Saviour had appeared, not to rulers and kings, nor even first of all to His male disciples, but to a woman whose love had held her at the Cross and led her to His grave.
Mary Magdalene, who had been afflicted by demons and whose culture demanded that women spend most of their time in the home, stepped out of the box and played a significant role in Jesus’ ministry. Those who are obedient grow in understanding. God reveals Himself to the lowly, and it would only be the humble whose hearing is sharp enough to perceive the message of His love.
Just as Jesus knew the details of Mary’s life, He knows about you (Isaiah 43:1). When you are tempted to lose hope, when life seems too empty to go on, when grief overwhelms you – Jesus cares. When those you love have let you down, when you think you can’t go on for another minute, when your problems crush you – Jesus cares. He calls your name just as He called Mary’s, and you, too, can go on, into victory.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me to follow You closely, not because of a legalistic understanding of my faith but because of an overwhelming sense of gratitude and love for Your extravagant grace. Help me surrender my darkness to You and flood me with the light of Your presence, in the name of Jesus, Amen.
Read: Luke 8:2; Romans 10:13-14
Bible Reading Guide: Psalm 119:89-96; 2 Timothy 3; Jeremiah 50:11-46; Jeremiah 51:1-14