When we encounter Jesus and come to faith, we join with others that share the blessings of restoration. During the ministry of Jesus, many faithful women followed him, including Mary Magdalene. Although she was a devoted follower of Jesus, there was a time in her life when she was demon-possessed and a tool of the enemy. Jesus delivered many from demonic possession as He ministered through the countryside. Mary Magdalene was included in that group.
Luke 8:1Soon afterward, Jesus began a tour of the nearby towns and villages, preaching and announcing the Good News about the Kingdom of God. He took his twelve disciples with him, 2 along with some women who had been cured of evil spirits and diseases. Among them were Mary Magdalene, from whom he had cast out seven demons.[1]
Jesus came to set the captives free, and one of those captives was Mary Magdalene, who, through this transformation, became an amazing woman of faith. Just as Jesus set Mary Magdalene free, He can also set you free if you are captive to sin.
Mary Magdalene was at the Cross of Jesus
Mary Magdalene watched Jesus crucified despite the gory process. Ironically, Jesus was present at creation and created blood. Now His lifeblood dripped to the ground. When Jesus spoke seven times from the cross, Mary Magdalene would have heard Jesus, including His first words. Luke 23:34“Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing.”[2] Jesus’ last words were, John 19:30“It is finished!” Then he bowed his head and gave up his spirit. [3]
After Jesus had died, Mary followed Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea as they buried Jesus. After observing the Sabbath, Mary went to the tomb early Sunday morning. There she discovered that someone had rolled the stone away. An Angel told Mary that Jesus had risen and instructed her to tell the disciples that Jesus was going ahead of them in Galilee. After telling the disciples, she returned to the tomb with Peter and John. Soon after that, Mary Magdalene met Jesus by the grave. John 20:15She thought he was the gardener. “Sir,” she said, “if you have taken him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will go and get him.” 16 “Mary!” Jesus said. [4]
Jesus Loves to Restore Sinners to Himself
Mary Magdalene is an example of what people can become when they give their lives to Jesus. The past doesn’t matter; no one is too far from God to receive salvation. Even if you have served satan, God wants to save you. Mary Magdalene received God’s amazing grace, which changed her life in this world and the next. This was possible because Jesus was willing to give His life to all humankind to pay for our sins. What an amazing Savior.
To hear more about the blessings of restoration, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/mark-the-tomb-is-still-empty
[1-4] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation . Tyndale House Publishers.