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3. Christ Appears to Mary Magdalene (Mark 16:9-11)

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MARK 16:9-11
9 Now when he had risen early on the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, from whom he had cast out seven demons. 10 She went and told those who had been with him, as they mourned and wept. 11 When they heard that he was alive, and had been seen by her, they disbelieved.

Jesus is alive. He rose from the dead, and overcame death by his evident triumph. When unbelievers and blasphemers ask us if anyone had ever come again from eternity, we answer them boldly, “Yes. Jesus rose from the dead, and he raised others too. He proved the nature and presence of the life of God. His spiritual body is the symbol of the new creation. He is the living, everlasting Triumphant one over diseases, corruption, and weakness. He is present and remaining forever. His life is endless.”

Then, according to Peter’s reports, from the mouth of his disciple Mark, he appeared again to Mary Magdalene out of whom he had cast seven demons. No one could ever release her except Jesus, the Savior, who was merciful to her and healed her with the word of his mighty power. Jesus is Triumphant not only over death, but also over all the spirits of hell. Jesus is the mighty, good Savior.

The Holy Spirit had not yet dwelt in the hearts of the disciples, or in the faithful women who followed Jesus. It is probable that Jesus appeared to Mary Magdalene to confirm her faith, that she might not fall away, or be bound once again by evil spirits.

The resurrection of Jesus proves to us his absolute holiness, and his free release from the bonds of flesh and sin. He establishes his followers, and surrounds them with an atmosphere of holiness, as a stronghold against sin.

Mary Magdalene did not tremble when she saw him who was crucified standing alive before her. She might have already experienced through her sinful meetings with spirits that there were spirits and powers unknown to many. Jesus probably seemed to be an angel, and then she became sure that he was the Lord himself. She knew that there was no place for any other power in his presence, for one word from him could refute Satan and all the fearful powers of evil.

Mary Magdalene ran joyfully from her meeting with him who was raised from the dead, and brought the report to the disciples. She told them the Lord was alive, and that he appeared to her, but they shook their heads, giving no credit to the report she brought them, and supposing she was dreaming. Probably they said to themselves: “We already know Mary: Dreams, spirits, fancies, and fears. Her thought must be good, but it is untrue.”

The hearts of the disciples, after the betrayal, scourging, crucifixion, death, and burial of Jesus remained in an acute state of shock. They believed nothing but reality. Having buried their dreams and great expectations, they were not prepared to believe quickly, their hearts were hardened. It is the same that we experience today how some followers of Jesus become hardhearted when they pass through painful disasters, losing the connection with the continuous revelations of the Lord. The Lord works. However, they neither believe, nor look forward to the living hope, but gaze at the severe hardship around and inside them.

PRAYER: O great Lord, we worship you for you revealed your holy person to the healed woman who feared the spirits, to confirm her faith. We worship you because you are living and holy, and you have all authority over all unclean spirits. We believe in the power of your divine word, which can cast out evil spirits from all those who turn to you, that you may keep them from apostasy and establish them by your Holy Spirit. Truly, you are Triumphant over death, Satan, and sin. Keep me night and day in your name, together with all those who pray to you. Amen.

QUESTION:

108. Why did Jesus Christ appear to Mary Magdalene first?

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