I love a good transformation story, don’t you? Which is why I’m such a fan of both HGTV and Marvel movies. To see trash turned to treasure in a home makeover series or a young Peter Parker transformed into heroic Spiderman – I get hooked and can’t stop watching till the credits roll. When I think about the Easter story, there is one character in particular who stands out amidst all of Jesus’ disciples. Mary Magdalene.
Her transformation story is one that rivals any Marvel comic or home renovation project.
Mary Magdalene’s transformation story is one that rivals any Marvel comic or home renovation project.
What do we know about Mary Magdalene?
Both scripture and Biblical scholars tell us that Mary Magdalene’s “resume” was not flattering to say the least. She was a woman in complete bondage before she encountered Jesus. Scripture tells us in Luke 8, that Mary Magdalene was terrorized by demons and afflictions – her distress was overpowering and her isolation unbearable. The prison bars that surrounded her were invisible, for her soul was locked in solitary confinement.
We can only speculate what it was like at the moment Jesus saw Mary in her state of desperation. Only Jesus could have seen who she really was regardless of her derailed state. This encounter with Jesus was a transformational moment for Mary. To go from complete enslavement to total deliverance – we can only imagine a fragment of her gratitude and relief.
This event made Mary one of Jesus’ most devoted followers and disciples.
Mary Magdalene’s Fierce Devotion to Jesus
Scripture tells us that Mary Magdalene was standing at the cross where Jesus was crucified. She witnessed both Jesus’ brutal death and burial. (John 19:25)
Can you take a moment and try to imagine the anguish in Mary’s heart and inconsolable tears as she watched Jesus’ body being tortured? Her proximity to the cross would have meant that she saw his side pierced by the spear, heard his agonizing cries. It’s hard to fathom the state of grief and defeat that she must have felt in those hours.
Jesus Uses the Least of These
After Jesus’ death, John’s gospel tells us that Jesus’ body was wrapped in strips of linen using a mixture of myrrh and aloes and then carried and placed in a garden tomb. What transpired next could only be orchestrated by the hands of God! Open up your Bible to John’s Gospel and take a closer look at chapter 20, verses 1-18. This passage knits together some of the missing pieces of the other Gospels because the Apostle John wrote his gospel last. He begins the story of Jesus’ resurrection with Mary Magdalene’s early morning walk to the tomb… John 20:1-8
Can we just marvel at the fact that the first proclaimer of the resurrection was a woman! I love what the Bible Knowledge Commentary says about this:
“That a woman would be the first to see Him is an evidence of Jesus’ love as well as a mark of the narrative’s historicity. No Jewish author in the ancient world would have invented a story with a woman as the first witness to this most important event.” ¹
On our darkness days, our souls can hope in the fact that darkness does not win.
Jesus revealed himslef to the one who was the most afraid that the darkness had won and who also by society standards was second rate. Mary didn’t need forensic evidence to know that Jesus was alive, his voice was enough. She knew at the exact moment when he called, “Mary” that it was Jesus, the Son of God. It was his words that healed her. There was no misplacing his voice.
On our darkness days, our souls can hope in the fact that darkness does not win. Allow Jesus to speak your name – a word of love, a word of healing, a word of hope over you.
Reflection Questions
Have you believed the lie that darkness has won? Are you having trouble believing that God can transform your life or heal your brokenness?
How can you place this lie of unbelief and doubt in his hands? Will you believe God for his ability to love, care and rescue you?
Prayer
Dear God,
Thank you for reminding me, through Mary Magdalene’s story, that you are in the business of rescuing your sons and daughters out of the domain of darkness. Thank you for giving us hope and a future through your son Jesus. Help us to remember that because you defeated the grave we can face tomorrow. Because you live, all fear can be washed away. Help us to be proclaimers of your resurrection and grace.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
- John F. Walvoord and Roy B. Zuck, eds., The Bible Knowledge Commentary: New Testament (Colorado Springs, CO: David C. Cook, 1983), 342.