Text: John 20:11-18

We will continue to celebrate the resurrection, commemorated by the Easter holiday, by looking at the post-resurrection appearances of our Lord. Jesus began those appearances with His initial manifestation to Mary Magdalene.

Solomon best described this appearance centuries before: “I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me” (Proverbs 8:17 KJV). Wesley explains, “I [the Lord] do not despise their love, but kindly accept it and recompense it with my love and favor. Indeed the Lord showed favor to Mary by honoring and comforting her on that resurrection morning.

There are some twelve New Testament verses that reference Mary Magdalene who “entered the circle of the taught during the Galilean ministry and became prominent during the last days” (International Standard Bible Encyclopedia), eleven of which picture that love for the Lord as she is the only one named who witnessed Jesus’ crucifixion (cf. Matthew 27:56), burial (cf. Matthew 27:61), and discovery of the empty tomb (cf. John 20:11).

New Testament scholar Frank Stagg points out that Mary’s role as a witness is unusual because women at that time were not considered credible witnesses in legal proceedings; yet, the Lord visited her first and gave her a word for the apostles. Why? “…those (emphasis mine) that seek me early shall find me” and God is no respecter of persons.

Mary’s designation of Magdalene is the adjective from the word Magdala (cf. Matthew 15:39) which means “tower” and comes from a root word that means “watch-tower.” As you pray today, thank the Lord that sexual category does not hinder His revelation and that all who love Him, will find Him. Pray for those oppressed by governments simply because they are women; intercede for the little girls and abused teens by praying against the atrocities they have experienced simply because of their gender. Commit to be one who stands in the watch-tower of prayer and who seeks Him diligently.