FAITH CAPSULE: He is no longer in the tomb.  

John 20:1-18
 
The bible described Mary Magdalene, “…and certain women who had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities—Mary called Magdalene, out of whom had come seven demons…” (Luke 8:2) Mary Magdalene was evil possessed and turned to become Jesus accessible. At the time of Jesus’ death on the cross she was also on sight. The Bible recorded her presence at the cross, “There were also women looking on from afar, among whom were Mary Magdalene… (Mark 15:40) Despite her past she could not allow Jesus to Passover without her being there.
Again, Mary Magdalene, out of whom Jesus had cast seven demons, was the first at the tomb where Jesus was laid. John 20:1, “Now on the first day of the week Mary Magdalene went to the tomb early, while it was still dark , and saw that the stone had been taken away from the tomb.” Her finding made her the first to announce to the disciples that the Lord had been taken away from the tomb. Peter and the other disciples came and confirmed that the Lord was no longer there. While others could not wait to went back to their own homes, Mary Magdalene remained at the tomb. It is written, “Mary stood outside of the tomb weeping, and as she wept she stopped down and looked into the tomb.” (John 20:11) In her weeping and waiting, Jesus eventually appeared to Mary. Jesus asked her why she was weeping and whom she was seeking. Mary, a woman of ill-repute was commissioned by Jesus to go and declare that the Lord had risen from the grave. Jesus responded to Mary, “Jesus said to her, ‘Do not cling to Me, for I have not ascended to my Father; but go to My brethren and say to them, I am ascending to My Father and your Father and to my God and your God.’” (John 20:17) A woman who had seven demons cast out from her was able to wait and receive a commission that could have been passed to any of the disciples if they were able to wait. Jesus will send and use one that is available. Unlike Jesus’ disciples whose whereabouts were not identified at the ground of resurrection, Mary Magdalene was on ground of resurrection with expectation.
Which disciple best describes you? Is it the one with the lack of sight, the one who is fearful or the one in unbelief? The acts and displays of the disciples at the ground of Jesus’ resurrection represents the church today–spiritual blindness, absence of peace because of sinking faith, and unbelief. The church can find the way out of all these limitations if there is constant remembrance of the truth that He is no longer in the tomb. He is risen!
 
Prayer for today: Ask God to help every area of your unbelief.