JOHN 20: 17, 18

I have come to realize that many times our temporary fleeting circumstances becloud how truly irrevocably blessed we are. Sometimes, we are too busy weeping and wailing like Mary Magdalene at the tomb of Christ that we cannot see or hear Him (John 20:15,16). The problem was already solved. The answer was already given. The matter was already resolved, but Mary was so transfixed by what she was going through that the full impact of how truly blessed she was couldn’t register right away. While she stood there weeping and complaining, the resurrection had already taken place. At least on two occasions in the passage, she is asked by the angels and then by the Master Himself “. . . Woman, why weepest thou? Whom seekest thou? . . .” (John 20: 13, 15). The fact is, she was seeking for a crucified Messiah, not realizing that she was going to discover and encounter so much more – the Resurrected Lord of all power and glory!

Mary’s love and devotion did not end at the crucifixion or at the tomb. She had intense and undying love for the Master, who had done so much for her. Through Him, she received not just a new lease on life but new life. He had literally raised her back into life. Because of Him, she was no longer demon-possessed. In the gospel of Mark, we are alerted to the fact that she was possessed by seven devils, until one day she had a fateful encounter with Jesus. Mark, the evangelist tells his readers “Now when Jesus was risen early, the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had cast seven devils” (Mark 16:9). It is not revealed how long she was possessed, all we know is demon-possession ended at the command of His word and presence and when the demons leave freedom is sustained by our consummate devotion to Him. Now under new management, the change was phenomenal. Mary devoutly follows Jesus, all the way to Calvary and beyond.

She absolutely refused to let go or to give up. At the crucifixion, she observed Him from afar and as soon as the Sabbath was over, she came early on that Sunday, not only in search of His body, but to again show her love, respect and devotion. Not finding the body, she wanted to know where they had taken it, and she solemnly pledged with tears to take Him away herself (15).

Here, Mary Magdalene teaches us never to stop seeking after Him. Even when all hope seems dead and buried. She refused to quickly turn away like the other apostles (v.10). No wonder this female disciple is often referred to as “the Apostle of the Apostles.” Not only did she support Jesus with her finances, but all the way to the empty tomb, she persistently, stubbornly followed! “But Mary stood without at the sepulchre weeping… ” (v.11).

Mary pathetically wept, thinking He was dead, buried, and hopelessly stolen away, tragically disappeared, not knowing that He was fully alive, risen, fully present and right there, fully cognizant of her pain and indescribable grief. There was Jesus, standing right there! (v.14). How often we are like that, feeling so overwhelmed, distraught, and lost when He is right there. He has already worked it out and intervened! We are weeping when we should be rejoicing and celebrating! I just want to tell somebody today, if you would only listen – It’s already done! The resurrected Lord has already worked it all out. Now you need to just go forth and tell it (v17). Go tell the brethren!