Apr 4, 2021
Scripture Reading: John 20:1-18
(Biblical references to Mary Magdalene, in chronological order)
- Lk 8:2 - Jesus had cast out seven demons from Mary Magdalene
- Jn 19:25 - Mary standing by the cross
- Mt 27:56 - Mary standing afar off when Jesus died (Mk 15:47)
- Mt 27:61 - Mary watched to see where Jesus was buried (Mk 15:47)
- Mt 28:1 - Mary came early Sunday morning to anoint the body of Jesus (Mk 16:1; Jn 20:1)
- Lk 24:10 - Mary told others about the empty tomb (Jn 20:2)
- Jn 20:11-18 - 1st resurrection appearance of Jesus … to Mary Magdalene (Mk 16:9)
These are the only New Testament references to Mary Magdalene. Although she is often associated with the woman who was taken in adultery and the woman who washed Jesus' feet, there is no definite Biblical support that she was the woman in either of these stories.
The account from John 20:11-18 is touching and moving. It speaks of the heartfelt affection and allegiance Mary had for Jesus. Her heart was set on attending to the body of Jesus and was crestfallen to think of the possibility of someone taking it. She was determined to find out what had happened to the body. In comparing ourselves to Mary, is it accurate to say that our deepest affections lie with the Savior
Another wonderful aspect of this story is the individual tenderness Jesus showed toward Mary. It is stirring to think of Jesus standing there, in the glory of the resurrection, calling Mary by name. The wonder of this story is not only that Jesus knows Mary by name, but that He calls to us by name. If He knows the stars of the heaven by name (Isa 40:26), how much more does He know the names of His children. The only remaining question is this, "Are we listening to His voice?" Or in the frenzy of living, is His still, small voice effectively blocked out of our hearing and out of our hearts? "My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me" (Jn 10:27).