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Ask God: What did Mary Magdalene accomplish on that early Easter Morning? She was determine to find her Lord and she found Him. He spoke her name.

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Good Evening Reader,

May this Easter be one filled with joy. Joy about what God has done for you and me. It is a time to celebrate the risen Christ.

Today is the day the Lord has made. Truly a special day!

All Glory to God.

Elvin

Mary Magdalene Encounters the Resurrected Savior

Mary Magdalene's relationship with Jesus is one that transformed her life. Her journey—from deliverance to discipleship, from the foot of the Cross to the empty tomb—paints a beautiful picture of what it means to love Jesus with all your heart. Let's look at her relationship with Jesus and the spiritual significance of her role on Resurrection morning. As we do, let's see how she is a role model for all believers.

Mary Magdalene: Healed by Jesus

"And also, some women who had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities: Mary, called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out..." (Luke 8:2-3).

Mary Magdalene's life was forever changed when she encountered Jesus. Once tormented by seven demons, she lived a life marked by bondage and spiritual oppression.

Mary lived in the town of Magdala near the Sea of Galilee; she may have endured deep emotional or physical affliction and even rejection. But when Jesus came into her life, He cast out the demons and restored her completely—body, mind, and soul. This divine deliverance released her, and she became devoted to Jesus.

She became one of His most faithful followers, supporting His ministry financially and walking closely with Him throughout His earthly mission. Her past did not define her future; instead, her story became a testimony of God's power to redeem and transform. She is a shining example of the new life found in Christ; a woman who once was bound, now free and fervently devoted to her Savior.

Present at Jesus' Crucifixion

"Near the cross of Jesus stood his mother, his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene" (John 19:25).

Mary's devotion was most evident during His final hours. She stood near the cross, watching in sorrow as Jesus suffered and died (John 19:25). While others fled, she stayed, grieving yet loyal. After His death, she followed Joseph of Arimathea and witnessed Jesus' burial (Matthew 27:59–61), determined to honor Him even in death.

Her presence in these darkest moments reflects a love that did not waver with the crowd. She was not merely a follower—she was a devoted servant and a woman whose faithfulness made her a discipleship model. Mary's steadfast love speaks volumes about the power of a transformed life.

When many of the male disciples fled, Mary stayed. She witnessed the horrors of Jesus' suffering and death. Her devotion remained strong even when she was in danger, illustrating her courageous love.

Mary Witnesses Jesus' Burial

"Joseph took the body… and laid it in his own new tomb… Mary Magdalene and the other Mary were there, sitting opposite the tomb" (Matthew 27:59-61).

Mary observed where Jesus was buried, ensuring she would return to complete the burial ritual. This detail is important: her eyes were tear-filled, yet attentive and intentional.

First to Visit the Tomb on Resurrection Morning

"Now on the first day of the week Mary Magdalene came to the tomb early, while it was still dark..." (John 20:1). Mary's eagerness to find Jesus echoes the promise of Jeremiah 29:13: "You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart."

Her early visit shows she was not looking for answers—she was looking for Jesus. Her pursuit was personal. She sought her Lord with a broken heart and a determined spirit.

Mary Magdalene was the first to see the risen Jesus because of her deep love and faithful devotion. She rose early on Sunday morning to visit the tomb, seeking to honor Him even in death (John 20:1). Her heart longed for Jesus.

At first, Mary didn't recognize Him through her tears (John 20:14). Still, when Jesus gently called her name, she immediately knew it was Him (John 20:16). Like a true disciple, she recognized the voice of her Shepherd (John 10:3-4).

Jesus then told Mary to go and tell the disciples He had risen (John 20:17-18), making her the first to proclaim the resurrection. Mary's story teaches us that Jesus reveals Himself to those who seek Him earnestly and that love for Christ moves us to share the good news with others.

Mary's Encounter with the Risen Christ

"...She turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not realize that it was Jesus… Jesus said to her, 'Mary.' She turned toward him and cried out in Aramaic, 'Rabboni!' (which means 'Teacher')" (John 20:14-16).

Jesus chose Mary Magdalene to be the first eyewitness of the resurrection. This is significant because:

• Culturally, women's testimonies were not considered valid in court—yet Jesus entrusted her with the message of His resurrection.
• Spiritually, her reward for seeking Him early and earnestly was finding Him first.
• Personally, this encounter shows that Jesus reveals Himself to those who love Him most fervently.

"Jesus said, 'Go to my brothers and tell them…' Mary Magdalene went to the disciples with the news: 'I have seen the Lord!'" (John 20:17-18).

Mary became the "apostle to the apostles," the first to proclaim the risen Christ. She didn't just experience the resurrection—she became a witness to it.

Mary's Faithfulness is Rewarded

The significance of Mary Magdalene being the first to see the resurrected Jesus is profound. In a culture where women's testimony was often dismissed, Jesus revealed Himself first to a woman, honoring her faith and devotion.

Mary's love kept her near the cross (John 19:25), present at His burial (Matthew 27:61), and first at the tomb (John 20:1). Her reward came when Jesus called her by name (John 20:16), which affirmed His words in John 10:3–4 that His sheep know His voice.

By instructing her to tell the disciples (John 20:17–18), Jesus entrusted a woman with the first announcement of the most incredible truth in history: "He is risen!" This moment illustrates that faithfulness, not social status, determines spiritual privilege in God's kingdom.

As Galatians 3:28 declares, "There is neither male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus." Mary's witness reflects God's grace and the value He places on every believer. Intimacy comes through love, not position – Mary wasn't one of the Twelve, but her love drew her closest to the risen Lord.

Summary: Mary Rose Early to Seek Jesus

Mary Magdalene's rising early on the morning of the resurrection reflects the same devotion Jesus showed when He rose early to pray (Mark 1:35). Her action demonstrated a heart full of love and faith. Though it was still dark, she went to the tomb, not expecting a miracle but simply to honor Jesus.

Like Jesus seeking the Father in the quiet hours, Mary sought the Lord with all her heart—fulfilling the promise of Jeremiah 29:13. Her early rising symbolizes a believer's desire to put Christ first, even in sorrow and uncertainty.

Seeking God reflects a pattern of spiritual devotion, where the day begins not with routine but with seeking God's presence. Mary's example encourages believers today to seek Jesus earnestly, reminding us that intimacy with God is often found in those quiet, early moments when our hearts are focused solely on Him (Psalm 5:3; Matthew 6:33).

Mary Magdalene shows us that the path to encountering Jesus is paved with love, loyalty, and faithfulness. She teaches us that when we seek Jesus not for what He can give us but simply because we love Him, He reveals Himself to us in powerful ways.

"Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied" (Matthew 5:6).

Elvin

The Women at the Tomb of Jesus

Ask God For Help

Christian faith

Reader,

Hosea said his people were destroyed for lack of knowledge. Knowledge give believers and non-believers a choice. When a person does not know, they cannot choose.

Feel free to forward this lesson to your friends and family.

Grow in the knowledge of God.

Elvin

Send your comments to elvin.aycock@AskGodForHelp.net and let me know what you think of the lessons.

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