How can we emulate the devotion of Mary Magdalene and the other Mary? Setting the Scene “After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb.” — Matthew 28:1 These two women had watched Jesus die (Matthew 27:55-56), witnessed His burial (Matthew 27:61), and yet, before sunrise, they were back at the tomb. Their devotion is both simple and stunning. Observing Their Devotion • Early pursuit: They rose “at dawn,” unwilling to let darkness or danger keep them away. • Persistent love: They kept returning—Calvary, burial, and now the sealed tomb. • Quiet service: No fanfare, only the humble intent to honor Jesus’ body (Mark 16:1). • Courage amid uncertainty: Guards, a sealed stone, and Roman authority did not deter them. Principles to Emulate 1. Prioritize first-moment worship • Psalm 5:3 — “In the morning, LORD, You hear my voice.” • Begin each day acknowledging Christ’s lordship before tasks crowd in. 2. Keep showing up • Galatians 6:9 — “Let us not grow weary in well-doing…” • Faithfulness is often measured in repeated, small acts of obedience. 3. Serve without spotlight • Matthew 6:4 — “…your Father who sees in secret will reward you.” • Seek His approval rather than human applause. 4. Face fears with love • 1 John 4:18 — “Perfect love drives out fear.” • Love for Christ emboldens us to step into hard places. 5. Honor Christ in the physical details • Romans 12:1 — “Present your bodies as a living sacrifice…” • Holiness touches schedules, finances, and habits—tangible acts that say, “He is worthy.” Practices for Today • Schedule dawn moments: Set an alarm ten minutes earlier to read a Gospel scene and respond in worship. • Revisit the “tombs” in your life: Places of past disappointment can become settings for fresh encounters with the risen Lord. • Quiet care: Send an anonymous gift, clean the church kitchen, or pray for missionaries—acts seen chiefly by Christ. • Name your fears: Write them down, surrender them to Jesus, and step forward anyway. • Tangible honor: Choose one physical resource (time, talent, treasure) this week to devote exclusively to Him. Verses to Keep in Mind • Luke 8:2-3 — They had followed and supported Jesus during His ministry; devotion grows from prior commitment. • John 20:1-18 — Mary Magdalene is the first to see the risen Christ; early seekers receive special revelation. • Hebrews 6:10 — “God is not unjust; He will not forget your work and the love you have shown Him.” Living Out Their Example Mary Magdalene and the other Mary reached the tomb expecting to mourn, yet they met an empty grave and a living Savior. Emulating their devotion means meeting Jesus at the day’s first light, persevering in unseen service, and trusting that every step toward Him is met by grace greater than we imagine. |
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