What can we learn from Mary Magdalene's dedication in seeking Jesus? A Dawn of Determined Love John 20:1: “Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene went to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the entrance.” • “Early…while it was still dark” shows she rose at the first possible moment. • Her love moved her before sun-rise, before certainty, before anyone else. • Psalm 63:1—“O God, You are my God. Earnestly I seek You…”—mirrors her heart. Love That Pushes Through Darkness • Literal darkness surrounded her, yet she trusted light would come. • John 8:12—Jesus is the “Light of the world”; Mary walked toward that Light even when she couldn’t yet see it. • Faith often requires moving while answers are still hidden (2 Corinthians 5:7). Unashamed Devotion Despite the Past • Luke 8:2 reminds us Jesus cast seven demons out of her. • Grace transformed her from bondage to boldness. • 2 Corinthians 5:17—“If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation.” Mary lived that reality and never forgot her Deliverer. Persistent Seeking in Sorrow • Grief did not paralyze her; it propelled her. • She expected a sealed tomb yet went anyway, like the friends in Mark 2:4 removing a roof to reach Jesus. • Hebrews 11:6—God “rewards those who earnestly seek Him.” Mary’s reward came in seeing the risen Lord first (John 20:14–17). Courage Overcoming Fear • Roman guards, possible arrest, grave robbers—none deterred her. • 1 John 4:18—“Perfect love drives out fear.” Her love eclipsed every threat. • Proverbs 28:1—“The righteous are as bold as a lion.” She models righteous boldness. First Witness, First Messenger • John 20:17—Jesus sends her to the disciples: “Go to My brothers and tell them…” • God often entrusts profound revelation to the faithful (Luke 2:25-38; Acts 10:1-8). • Her testimony fulfills Psalm 68:11—“The Lord gives the word; the women who proclaim it are a great host.” Lessons for Today • Start the day with Christ—before the world stirs, seek Him. • Press on when circumstances look sealed shut; He may have already rolled the stone away. • Let past deliverance fuel present devotion—never forget what He saved you from. • Choose love-driven courage; fear melts when Christ is the goal. • Expect reward: deeper revelation, personal encounter, and a mission to share good news. Living Out Mary’s Example 1. Rise early, open Scripture, and meet the Living Word. 2. Bring sorrows to Jesus instead of staying frozen in them. 3. Speak boldly of what He has done; someone’s faith may hinge on your witness. 4. Keep seeking—stones that look immovable today may be rolled away by God tomorrow. Mary Magdalene’s dawn-dark journey reminds us: those who love Jesus most urgently, find Him most wonderfully. |
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