Her quiet footsteps left imprints on the well-worn ground as she made her way quickly through the darkness along a very familiar path. Neither the night nor the sunlight could mend her broken soul but the busyness of ceremonial preparations was all that was left for her to honor her teacher, her healer and her Lord.
“Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of James saw where he was laid.” (Mark 15:47 – {NIV}) They had watched Jesus brutally nailed to a cross and left to die like a common criminal but were compelled to remain till the end and confirm the exact location of his burial with plans to return immediately after the Sabbath to give a befitting interment.
Her connection to Jesus was undeniable. “The Twelve were with him (Jesus), and also some women who had been cured of evil spirits and diseases: Mary (called Magdalene) from whom seven demons had come out.” (Luke 8:1b-2 – {NIV}) Mary’s previous life of emotional and psychological torment that left her battered and bruised had been divinely transformed by this man, this Jesus and now her entire life had become a humble love offering to the Savior of her soul. When all control and dignity had been brutally stolen, the Lamb of God had seen into the darkest parts of her being, far beyond the hollow shell and brought healing to the jewel that was her heavenly design.
Chapel of The Ascension of Jesus Christ on Mount of Olives in Jerusalem, Israel. Place where are the last footprints of Jesus Christ on earth before he ascended into heaven, Jerusalem, Israel. (PC: iStock)
The morning following the Sabbath, John’s gospel recounts that he and Peter ran through the eerie darkness and saw the empty tomb just as Mary had told them but only she stayed long enough in her tears to see what the men had not – two angels that heralded a completely new narrative. Isn’t it ironic that grief can sometimes obscure the perfect answer that stands right before us? Here, outside the tomb, stood the Risen Christ gently voicing His loving inquiring “Dear woman, why are you crying? Who are you looking for?”
Assuming a time wasting conversation with the gardener, Mary begs for an answer to her desperation only to be interrupted by a tone, a name, her name uttered so many times before in all manner of ways but this was radically different. Never before with such love, with such intimacy or with such profound meaning… “Mary”! The ultimate lover of her soul, Jesus, stood both scarred and yet miraculously alive right there! And though embrace was Mary’s immediate reaction, this response would have to wait as her divine detour preceded an exuberant Heavenly reunion with His Father – and now her Father. “Mary, don’t hold onto me now, for I haven’t yet ascended to God, my Father. And he’s not only my Father and God, but now he’s your Father and your God! Now go to my brothers and tell them what I’ve told you…” (John 20:17a – {The Passion Translation}).
Description: The Tomb is Empty! (PC: iStock)
Women in Jewish society did not typically hold important roles or testify in that age as their word didn’t lend credibility to the message – but this was the dawn of a new beginning. In the same way that the shepherds who existed on the bottom rung of the Palestinian social ladder were the first to hear the glorious news of Jesus birth, now Mary was the chosen individual divinely commissioned to tell the victorious gospel reality.
And today, from the lowest to the highest, from left to right, for near and far, for every nation, age, culture, gender and language – the Risen Jesus speaks your name with the same loving invitation as He alone has reestablished an eternal relationship for you with the Sovereign Lord and Loving Father who fights for your soul. Your response need only be simple. “Thank you Jesus for loving and dying for me. Sorry for my rebellion towards you. Please come into my life. Take Your rightful place and forever be my Savior and Lord.”
Immerse Yourself:
Listen to “He Is Risen | Easter Drama Day 8” on Spreaker.
Prayer:
Oh, Lord, how often do we miss you simply because we are not paying attention. Open my eyes! Thank you Lord for loving and dying for me. Sorry for my rebellion towards you. Please come into my life and take your rightful place. I put my trust in you.
Reflection Questions:
- Where do you see God working in your life?
- How would you have felt to seen the risen Jesus?
- God is inviting you into a relationship with him. What is holding you back from fully saying yes?
by Darren Abrahams, GT Church
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