Women at the Tomb - Mary Magdalene

It was Mary Magdalene, and Joanna, and Mary the mother of James, and other women that were with them, which told these things unto the apostles. Luke 24:10


Three women were named as the ones who brought spices to the tomb to prepare Jesus’ body. There are more verses in the Bible about Mary Magdalene than the other two women.

Mary Magdalene was a woman “plagued” with evil spirits. We are told that she had seven devils living within. (Luke 8:2, Mark 16:9) Seven devils that tormented her day and night imagine living in that type of anguish. Evil thoughts and actions overwhelmed her fragile body. Sleep was not common as the spirits stirred inside and wretched havoc with her mind. Her family probably stood back in horror wondering how they might help.

Then one day she heard of a Man coming to town. A Man who healed and cured people of diseases, crippled bodies and demented minds, maybe, this Man could help her. Traveling from the town of Magdala, she made the trip to see Jesus. She was healed and the demons were cast out.

What could she possibly do for the Man who gave her back her life? Mary immediately knew what she had to do, serve and minister to Him. It appears that this was her lifelong duty. We are told that she ministered to him (with others) using their own resources. (Luke 8:3)

She watched in horror as Jesus was hung on the cross. (John 19:25) The agony of the One who did so much for her was overwhelming. Her heart was breaking as she watched the situation unfold. (Matthew 27:55-56)

She quietly followed with some of the other women to the place where Jesus’ body was laid. (Matthew 27:55-56) Mary Magdalene was right by the tomb when Joseph placed His body inside. (Matthew 27:61, Mark 15:40)

In the early light of the morning she was at the tomb to anoint His body with spices. (Mark 16:1) What a shocking surprise to find the grave empty and no body to prepare. (John 20:1) She was the very first person to see the empty tomb. She told others and they came to the grave to see “for themselves”. After the disciples left Mary stood, still in a state of shock and wept. Her heart was broken. (John 20:11)

Mary was also the first person to see Jesus after the resurrection (Mark 16:9) Mary Magdalene was so thankful to Jesus and all He did for her. She was not only made whole physically with a strong mind but also spiritually because Jesus had saved her soul.

As I look at the life of Mary I see someone who was grateful to Jesus for all He did for her. Take a moment to look at your own life, what are you grateful for?

Mary also ministered and served the Lord. How can we serve the Lord? Service will look different for each of us. Can you help at church? Can you prepare food for someone? Can you write a note? Can you …

Pray and ask the Lord what you can do? He will show you.

Here is a portion of scripture to meditate on:

35 For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: 36 Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me. 37 Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink? 38 When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee? 39 Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee? 40 And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me. Matthew 25:35-40

Have a blessed day, Donna