Daily Manna
Monday, March 28, 2016
Topic: The least shall be the greatest
Reading: John 20
Scripture: And when she had thus said, she turned herself back, and saw Jesus standing, and knew not that it was Jesus. (John 20:14)
Note: Mary Magdalene as her name presupposes, was a woman from Magdala, meaning “tower” a place in Galilee, at the western shore of the Lake of Galilee. She was not a particularly prominent person in the gospels. The most prominent feature about her for which she’s disingenuously well known was the fact that Jesus cast out seven demonic spirits from her.
Yet this was the first person to whom appeared Jesus after his resurrection. It wasn’t any of the outstanding disciples, not even the famous three; Peter, James and John, who belonged to the inner core and who were with Christ at the Mount of Transfiguration as well as the agony of Gethsemane.
It’s interesting to note that it was this Mary who together with other women, dared to defy the terror of the night in visiting the tomb of Jesus between the hours of 3-6am so that they could embalm him. Mary was a true disciple of Jesus who acknowledged that without Christ she would have been nothing in society. In showing true dedication, commitment, gratitude and loyalty to the Master, they were prepared to risk their lives to serve him, even in death, by visiting his tomb when it was still dark, at the fourth watch of the night.
Throughout the ages, Jesus manifests his presence and love especially to those who are considered by society to be least. Mary Magdalene’s untainted love for Christ had to survive the fair weather test of a true follower. Jesus reciprocated this love in a special way when he appeared first to her after his resurrection.
Food for thought: Steadfast love for the Lord and devotion to His cause will never go unrewarded.
Declaration: Jesus saith unto her, Mary. She turned herself, and saith unto him, Rabboni; which is to say, Master. (John 20:16)
© Author: Rev Fred Aboe
