MARY MAGDALENE
(Identify a character in the New Testament, write a 300-word essay on him/her and indicate what spiritual lessons you can learn from his/her life)
Mary Magdalene was a devout and loving disciple of Christ. While the facts of Mary’s life are vague, (many liken her to the sinner in Luke 7:37 or the woman caught in adultery in John 8:3), the Bible did say in Luke 8:2 that she was possessed by seven demons and that Jesus had casted them out of her. Another crystal clear fact is that she loved Jesus and her story will forever be entwined with His resurrection. Mary Magdalene was among those who were at the crucifixion of Jesus (John 19:25), visited the tomb on resurrection morning (John 20:1) and was the first messenger of Christ’s resurrection (John 20:17).
There is much to learn from Mary Magdalene’s life. Let us reflect on the great love Mary had for Jesus. She remained at the tomb even though the disciples had left. Now, Mary once drank deeply from the well of sin yet transformation took place when Jesus delivered her. Because of the Light of the Word, Mary did not live in darkness again. With a thankful and grateful heart, she loved the Lord dearly. Therefore, she stayed back at the tomb weeping. Her persistence and perseverance eventually led her to God’s revelation – Jesus appeared before her!
In some ways, Mary Magdalene’s story relates to us today. All Christians, similar to Mary, are standing and waiting outside the tomb for God. We long for the presence of Christ and therefore, we can relate to the anxiety and uneasiness of Mary in His absence. May we not give up but to continuously seek after God earnestly in perseverance to the very end. Mary Magdalene is a good example of exhibiting faithfulness, obedience and great love for Jesus. Her life was poured out in response to God’s amazing grace. Love was the power in her life and God is love.
Date written: 5 September 2012
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