“The Power of the Resurrection” (Part Two)

We began this week to see the woman who was the very first to witness the resurrection. As we saw Mary Magdalene, her coming to Christ was so profound that that it altered her entire life, resulting in a significant level of commitment…

A Present Commitment

These women (Mary Magdalene and others) accompanied him also on his last journey to Jerusalem.

Present at the Cross (John 19:25)- She was present during the closing hours of the agony on the cross (John 19:25). It was here that Mary of Magdala and the other women continued to faithfully serve Christ, displaying the depth of her thankfulness for all the Lord had done for her! We see them there in all the Gospels (Matt. 27:55, Mark 15:41, Luke 23:55). They stood near the cross. There was nothing they could say, there was nothing they could do—but their love would not let them leave and abandon Him who had rescued them. They watched the dreadful tragedy as Jesus suffered- and died- on that cross of our shame. Mary listened with broken heart to His anguished cries and stayed through the bitter hours until a spear was thrust in His side. In the Louvre, there is a painting of desolation, despair and love. It depicts the night of the Crucifixion, “The world is wrapped in shadow; the stars are dead; and yet in the darkness is seen a kneeling form. It is Mary Magdalene with loving lips and hands pressing against the bleeding feet of Christ.” The old gospel song asks, “Were you there when they crucified my Lord?” Mary Magdalene was.

Present at the Tomb (Mark 15:47)- She remained by the cross until it was all over, and waited till the body was taken down and placed in the garden sepulcher of Joseph of Arimathaea (Matt. 27:61; Luke 23:55). In Mark 15:47, it says she “watched where he was laid” in the tomb. But the word watch is intense, describing setting watch—a long and anxious watch over the body of the Lord as it was laid in the tomb—and then sealed.

As you view this woman—a woman in a man’s world—there are two things that must be considered in her life…

• Her Courage- where are the disciples? Aside from John, the are away, in hiding- at best watching from a distance. This is not by accident! The threat is real, for Jesus had warned, “Smite the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered.” They were scattered- terrified that the next Cross would be theirs! Yet, Mary is there, with the women- boldly identifying with Christ while His men are in hiding.
• Her Love- There is only one explanation for her devotion, and that was her love! Love has compelled her to do what logic and reason would have refused (“O Love That Will Not Let Me Go”). “Perfect love casts out fear,” and her love for Christ overwhelms the obvious reasons for fear that surround her.

That is significant commitment. On Friday we’ll see the lasting impact of the resurrection on Mary of Magdala.