When Jesus rose early on the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had driven seven demons. Mark 16:9 NIV
It’s hard to imagine the torment Mary endured having been home to seven demons! Her erratic behavior and display of insanity, no doubt, kept most people at a safe distance, but not Jesus! Many, I’m sure, had written Mary off as a lost cause, but Jesus had better plans for Mary’s life. We give up on others and ourselves far too quickly, but God never gives up on us! Whatever sins you’ve committed, whatever past you’ve endured, whatever demons haunt you, know this, when God gets involved everything changes!
Matthew tells us that Mary watched the crucifixion from a distance. With every snap of the whip and every crushing blow as they nailed Jesus to the cross, Mary must have cringed, watching this one who had rescued her from the power of hell endure what no man should ever have to endure. Little did she know, as Jesus endured the cross, He was defeating for all time the same evil power that had held her hostage. His sacrifice, as He paid the penalty for our sin, secured for all mankind victory over evil.
Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene went to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the entrance. John 20:1 NIV
Where else would Mary go? She knew no other answer than Jesus! Confused and struggling with emotion, she went to the tomb and found the stone had been rolled away. She had no idea Jesus had risen, she simply wanted to anoint his body with spices so he would have a proper burial. But the power of darkness could not keep her Lord in the grave! New hope was on the horizon!
Now Mary stood outside the tomb crying. As she wept, she bent over to look into the tomb and saw two angels in white, seated where Jesus’ body had been, one at the head and the other at the foot. They asked her, “Woman, why are you crying?” “They have taken my Lord away,” she said, “and I don’t know where they have put him.” At this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not realize that it was Jesus. He asked her, “Woman, why are you crying? Who is it you are looking for?” Thinking he was the gardener, she said, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will get him.” Jesus said to her, “Mary.” She turned toward him and cried out in Aramaic, “Rabboni!” (which means “Teacher”). Jesus said, “Do not hold on to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father. Go instead to my brothers and tell them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’” Mary Magdalene went to the disciples with the news: “I have seen the Lord!” And she told them that he had said these things to her. John 20:11-18 NIV
When Jesus cast the demons from Mary and restored her life, she could only see part of the bigger picture! She realized then that He was strong and powerful, but she had no idea He could conquer death!
Jesus chose to appear to Mary first. How exciting it must have been for Jesus to show this woman, who had been enslaved by seven demons, that He had all authority. He was the author of life and not even death could hinder His ability to save her! He was all she needed. She was safe in Him for all eternity. She never again needed to fear the power of evil!
There is no power of hell that He cannot conquer, nothing He cannot rescue you from! As you celebrate His resurrection, find your hope in Him!
Happy Easter!