Mary of Magdala (First Eye-Witness Of Christ’s Resurrection)
Mat. 27:56-61, 28:1, Mark 15:40-47, 16:1-9, Luke 8:2, 24:10 & John 19:25, 20:1-18
She was healed of 7 demons, Mark 16:9, Luke 8:2. The phrase “seven devils” can mean possessed fully, both physically & mentally, she could have been insane or totally disabled, or both! She was certainly not possessed by “Legion” of demons like a man in Luke 8:30, showing super strength. Grammatically she is paired with Joanna (the wife of Herod’s manager, Chuza) This is a contrast in descriptions, Joanna respectable & reputable but Mary of Magdala, disrespected & demonic reputation, yet they worked together for Christ! See Philippians 4:2-3.
She is in Luke’s list of women who helped Jesus in a practical way and she traveled with the group from town to town (i.e. labor) Luke 8:1-3.
Mary didn’t just give, she S_______________
She had more courage than most disciples, as she stood near the cross with John and the mother of Jesus, while men fled in fear, John 19:25 & Mark 15:40.
Mary didn’t just follow Jesus, she was D______________
She witnessed the burial at the tomb with a willing heart to finish what was being started in his death to anoint Christ’s corpse, Mark 15:47 & 16:1. She had courage to go alone in the dark to ensure his anointing was finished, being first to see the open tomb, John 20:1.
She was the first Jesus told to go tell his brothers that he will ascend to the Father, John 20:17. She had courage to tell the disciples the truth they didn’t understand, “I have seen The Lord”, she faced doubt & risked rejection and maybe even mockery from believing friends, John 20:18 & Mark 16:11.
There are 3 ways to see Mary’s courage.
1, Courage to stand with the persecuted.
2, Courage to do the right thing all by herself while alone and against the odds.
3, Courage to speak the truth to believers that are ignorant & cowardly.
Where did Mary get all this courage?
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