Mary Magdalene

I can only imagine what it was like for Mary Magdalene the moment Jesus looked upon her in her desperation. Only He could have seen who she really was regardless of her derailed state. And only He could see me when I was lost in darkness… In those days she would have been rejected by society. An outcast shamed as possessed. To the world she was a lost cause, but not to Jesus. He completely delivered her from demonic possession. Seven to be precise. Her deliverance was not only from the demons but from every emotional, psychological and physical cause of possession.

She did not let her past define her and is known today as one of Jesus’ loyal followers. Fueled by her gratitude, generosity, and dedication, she followed Jesus to the end and beyond. She witnessed as they hammered the nails into his hands and feet, His last breath, and to the grave where they rolled the stone closed as finalization to His life. How deep her sadness must have run to not have been able to say goodbye. And now, because of the Passover, not able to touch His body.

But Mary returned to the burial site, only to find the tomb empty. She was so distraught that she did not even recognize Jesus when He asked: “Who is it you are looking for?” And all she was seeking was Jesus. No one and nothing else. Just Jesus. When He called her by name, she realized who He was and could, with unimaginable joy, spread the Good News.

Through her eyes, we learn a little more about who Jesus was. He found her in her darkest place and healed her miraculously. Her actions spoke louder than her words ever could by her devotion to following Him and the support of His ministry with all she had to give. She taught us not to be defined by our past – whatever it might be – and to seek Jesus with all our hearts.

Dearest daughter of God, do not let your past define who you are. Where Jesus forgives and heals, there is no place for shame and rejection anymore. Your story is part of His. Seek Him with all your heart and follow Him with all you can give, just like Mary Magdalene.

Written by Pastor Iriza for Women of the Word

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