FAITH CAPSULE: The woman with no good reputation was the first to deliver the good news of Jesus’ resurrection.

John 20

The bible identified the woman Mary of Magdala, “Now it came to pass, afterward, that He went through every city and village, preaching and bringing the glad tidings of the kingdom of God. And the twelve were with Him, and certain women who had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities—Mary called Magdalene, out of whom had come seven demons…” (Luke 8:1-2) Mary Magdalene was healed of evil spirits and infirmities. The Mary that was healed was the last at the cross and the first one at the grave. Mary had testimony. As a result of her testimony she sought Jesus. The word of Psalm 119:2 was true in the life of Mary. The Psalmist stated, “Blessed are those who keep His testimonies, who seek Him with the whole heart.”
Today, many with testimony about Jesus resolved to only seeking Him by mouth and not from heart. It is written, “Now 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. Then she ran and came to Simon Peter, and to the other disciple, whom Jesus loved, and said to them, “They have taken away the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid Him.” (John 20:1-2) She was the first to announce the disappearance of the Jesus’ body from the grave. Mary could have been looking to the disciples for an answer for the disappearance of the body of Jesus from the grave. This was the Mary who Jesus healed from the possession of evil spirits. The crucifixion of Jesus meant a great deal to her. Mary Magdalene love Jesus and she demonstrated it more after Jesus was crucified.
Does Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection mean anything to you like that of Mary Magdalene?  After Mary reported the rising of Jesus from the grave, the disciples found it difficult to believe her report. Mary had testimony and she sought Jesus. The bible recorded, “Mary stood outside of the tomb weeping, and as she wept she stooped down and looked into the tomb.”  Eventually, Jesus who was raised from the dead showed up to Mary Magdalene and spoke, “Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?” (John 20:15) Are you seeking Him? If you have accepted Him and know that indeed He is alive it is time to begin to seek Him and only Him.
Mary Magdalene might have been a woman with no good reputation was the first to deliver the good news of Jesus’ resurrection. Have you truly accepted Him as your Lord and savior? In this season of Easter celebration, let the testimony of His resurrection occupy you. Jesus is alive!

Prayer for today: Ask that the love of Christ will occupy your heart.