At this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not realize that it was Jesus. John 20:14
Mary Magdalene is the only woman that all three gospels place at the crucifixion. While Jesus’ friends, even those who witnessed His love and power, were fleeing in fear, Mary stood faithful.
Miraculously healed, Mary personally experience Jesus’ life transforming ministry. She became part of a group of followers that traveled beside Jesus and His disciples taking care of their personal needs and sharing their financial resources. After accompanying Joseph of Arimathea to the tomb to bury Jesus, grief stricken Mary returned home to prepared perfumes, oils and spices to give Her friend and healer the honor in death He was worthy of, and so, she arose on the first day of the week and arrived at His tomb before anyone else did, finding it empty.
The theology of the resurrection was lost on those who walked with the LORD. They were willing listeners and learners, but they had no reference point of understanding, UNTIL that day. John saw the burial cloths and instantly understood. Mary, devastated by the removal of Christ’s body, lingered near by sobbing. She looked into the tomb again and saw two angels (verse 13). While speaking with these celestial beings she turns and sees Jesus but does not recognize Him. He spoke. Still she wept AND THEN HE CALLED HER NAME!
Mary’s encounter changed our world….I mean your world and mine! Jesus chose her, she who did not know how she would survive the day without Him, to go and share the news of the risen Friend, Savior, Messiah, Healer, LORD!
Jesus called her by name and things changed. We often call out to Jesus, but today, invite Him to call you by name. It will change somebody’s world!
Love,
Gretchen