Mary Magdalene Encounters the Risen Lord. The resurrection of Jesus Christ is a pivotal event in the Christian faith. The account of Mary Magdalene’s meeting with the risen Lord powerfully testifies to the reality of this miraculous event.

In the gospel of John, we read about Mary Magdalene’s visit to the tomb of Jesus. She arrived at the tomb early in the morning, only to find the stone rolled away and the tomb empty. She was distraught and confused. She ran to tell Peter. She also told another disciple. This disciple was referred to as “the one Jesus loved.” She told him that the body of their Lord had been taken.

Peter and the other disciple rushed to the tomb and confirmed Mary’s report. They saw the strips of linen lying there, as well as the cloth that had been wrapped around Jesus’ head. At this point, they did not yet understand the significance of what they had seen.

After Peter and the other disciple left, Mary remained at the tomb, weeping. In this moment of deep sorrow, she encountered two angels. They asked her why she was crying. She replied that someone had taken away her Lord, and she did not know where they had put him.

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As she turned away from the angels, Mary encountered a man whom she initially mistook for the gardener. It was only when he spoke her name, “Mary,” that she recognized him as Jesus. She was overwhelmed with joy and disbelief. She reached out to touch him. He cautioned her and said, “Do not hold on to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father. Go instead to my brothers. Tell them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father. I am ascending to my God and your God.'”

Filled with newfound hope and purpose, Mary went to the disciples and proclaimed to them, “I have seen the Lord!” She shared with them the incredible news of her meeting with Jesus, the risen Savior.

This meeting between Mary Magdalene and Jesus is a profound example of the personal nature of Christ’s resurrection. It shows that Jesus revealed himself first to a woman. She had been a faithful follower. She remained steadfast in her love for him, even in the midst of despair and confusion.

As we consider this account, let us remember the power of Christ’s resurrection. It brings hope and joy in the midst of our own struggles. It also brings hope and joy in uncertainties. Mary Magdalene’s meeting with the risen Lord transformed her grief into joy. Her confusion turned into clarity. May we also experience the life-changing power of Christ’s resurrection in our own lives.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, we thank you for the incredible truth of Christ’s resurrection. May we, like Mary Magdalene, meet the risen Lord in our own lives. May we be transformed by the hope and joy that he brings. Help us to proclaim with boldness and conviction, “I have seen the Lord!” May we live each day in the light of this glorious reality. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Reference: John 20:11-25 (New International Version)