“No, Mary.”
“But which one? Mary, his mother, Mary, Martha’s sister? You’ve got to give me more to go on.”
“Mary, the one from Magdala who had seven demons cast out.”
The disciples may have needed a tagline to identify her, and the church fathers may have confused her with the others, but Jesus knew her. And when he called her “Mary,” she recognized his voice.
Mary returned to Jesus’s burial site in John 20 only to find that his body was not there. She went to the disciples to tell them and they ran to the tomb to see for themselves. They left, but Mary remained. She was grieving Jesus, weeping at his empty tomb, wondering where his body has gone. It was then that Jesus came to her and called her by name.
Jesus once told a parable of a good shepherd (John 10:1–21). He said that “the sheep hear his voice, and he calls his own sheep by name . . . a stranger they will not follow” (vv. 3, 5).
Jesus called Mary by name and she knew his voice and obeyed. This was her friend and rabbi, risen from death. He had done the impossible and she had been chosen, called by name, to tell the others.
Magdalene is described as an apostle to the apostles. She is mentioned fourteen times in the Gospels, more than most of the male apostles. Her story was well known, and as an eyewitness to the resurrected Christ, she was the first to tell the apostles. She delivered the message that they would then take to the world.
Mary Magdalene’s past didn’t define her. Being a follower of Jesus did. He rescued her and if we ever think we’re beyond help, what Mary Magdalene saw in Jesus is a reminder that he is our hope and savior.
At the moment, my life seems to be going pretty smoothly. But I have a friend facing an impossible situation and I am broken hearted for her. I am praying without ceasing on her behalf because I know she just cannot. She has faced many trials over the last 3-4 years and I am angry at God for making her life so unfair. I just don’t see how He can bring any good out of what has happened, but I will hold onto faith that He will prove us both wrong. He is faithful, but it’s hard to see right now.
Thats so interesting as I also.have two people I am praying for that it seems that there is no breakthrough. A young man who seemed so Godly and prays but he isn’t getting deliverance. I pray he will realize what it is in his life that he’s not confessing. So he can have a real experience and relationship with God his Heavenly Father. Another friend who lost her son to suicide was such a strong Christian and now can’t read her Bible ? oh Father in Heaven help her faith not to fail! Help her to be able to read your word!
LORD JESUS please don’t hold back on these two! Help them to know YOU in a deeper way ??
I am struggling with depression and it is affecting my creativity and my connection with others. Everytime I take a step forward, the Enemy attacks! I am handing it over to God, just surrendering to His healing power. As He healed Mary Magdalene I trust Him to heal me.
Regina, I pray alongside you dear sister for the season of depression. Praying that the Lord will deliver you, will move in and heal and take these feelings of depression from your heart. Bathe yourself in the word, sing hymns memorize verses and Use these powerful tools the Lord has given us to cast out the enemy. Submerge yourself in praise and worship songs and I pray a hedge of protection around you and your family. In the name of Jesus I pray.