Background
(Luke Chapters 7 and 8)
As Jesus and his disciples traveled through Galilee preaching, they came to Capernaum along the northern coast of the Sea of Galilee. Capernaum was a prosperous medium-sized fishing and agricultural town with an approximate population during the first century of about 1000 to 1500 people. Its location on the coast of the Sea of Galilee encouraged its trade and commerce. It was probably here that Jesus met Cornelius, a Roman soldier with a sick servant needing healing from Jesus. Cornelius, in stating his request to Jesus, provokes a distinguished praise of his faith from the Lord. Jesus and his disciples would establish their ministerial headquarters in Capernaum during his ministry in Galilee.
From Capernaum, Jesus and his disciples traveled to the city of Nain, located approximately 25 miles southwest of Capernaum. It was here at Nain that Jesus brought back to life a widow woman’s son whose coffin was flanked with many friends revealing the importance of the mother. There also, Jesus visited a Pharisee’s house named Simon where an unnamed woman anointed Jesus’ feet with oil and wiped the oil off with her hair. Jesus continued his ministry around this region of the Sea of Galilee and near the town of Nain. At Nain, Jesus would meet a woman named Mary from Magdala. Magdala was a Jewish fishing town on the northwestern coast of the Sea of Galilee. After Jesus cast out seven evil spirits from Mary, she would from time forward be identified as Mary Magdalene or the Mary from Magdala to distinguish her from other women named Mary.
Magdalene is repeatedly mentioned among other women who traveled with Jesus and his disciples ministering unto them, probably in preparation of meals and cleaning of clothing apparel. She is present at the Crucifixion and is the first person to appear at the empty tomb on Easter morning. She was given the distinct privilege of being the first to see the Risen Lord.
Hindsight In Retrospect
Previously in Jesus’ ministry, Mary Magdalene had been cleansed of seven evil spirits by Jesus most likely near a small town called Nain. She was so appreciative of the Lord for the cleansing that she followed Jesus the rest of his earthly ministry to the Cross.
How much do we appreciate Jesus the Christ for forgiving us of our great and many sins to alter our future destiny from Hell unto Heaven with Christ? Magdalene gave the rest of her life in service to Jesus. What would we consider an acceptable reflection of our gratitude to the Lord for him interceding into our lives?
Jesus continued his ministry until the time of the Cross at Passover. He had performed at least 37 miracles, many or all, in the disciples’ presence. He was a master teacher who when a Roman soldier was sent to bring Jesus to the Pharisees, returned without Jesus saying, “never man spake like this man”. (John 7: 46).
The Sanhedrin council would be fearful of Christ and design a plan to eliminate his threat of their personal power and control over the people. A mock trial was followed by a scourging and crucifixion.
The disciples were in shock. Anticipation of a great beginning of church work seemed to be shattered by Christ’s death. They had not listened to him prior to his crucifixion as he spoke of his upcoming death and resurrection. They gathered like frightened lambs for three days while Christ lay in the borrowed tomb of Joseph of Arimathea. Then, before the sun rose on the first Easter morning, along came Magdalene to the tomb. What was she going to do there? It was before daylight and the stone covering the entrance was immovable. What were her expectations?
Whatever Magdalene’s logic and reasoning for going to the tomb early may never be known. We only know the results of her intentions to “do something” for the Lord. She would be the first recorded individual to see the Risen Lord and be given instruction by him to go tell his disciples that he had risen and was returning to his heavenly Father. Magdalene found the disciples and told them everything that Jesus had spoken unto her.
Magdalene’s example of her intentions is unique and yet so natural according to Christ’s expectations of Christian behavior. She unknowingly approached the tomb with a blind faith. She came to a tomb in hope (Heb. 11: 1) of viewing Christ’s body somehow and did. When the stone problem was already solved, she focused on the opening of the tomb and not the former problem of the stone. Upon closer inspection at the tomb, she wanted to share the news about the Lord. She was not afraid to speak out about solving her problem for fear of reprimands from authorities or anyone else.
After running to tell Peter and John and returning to the tomb, she remains at the tomb contemplating the situation. Peter and John left after a short time for whatever reason to solve the problem elsewhere. Magdalene saw the Lord because she was there. Peter and John did not see him. Magdalene was given important details from the Lord about what needed to happen next. Peter and John would know what was going to happen with second-handed information from Magdalene.
Which of the three showed more tenacity in seeking an answer to Christ’s disappearance? Magdalene, or Peter and John!
We lose the presence of Magdalene after this as the disciples take precedence in their need to prepare for Pentecost.
Always Mountains to Climb and Valleys to Cross
*Who had the best chance of opportunity to solve the problem about the mystery at the tomb? A woman or two men?
*Who devoted extra time to investigate the “potential crime scene”?
*Who viewed quickly and left without accumulating much information to share with others?
*Can we assume that sometimes to understand the Lord’s intentions and plans that include us may take some extra time and extra contemplation, with questions to anyone?
Magdalene was not intimidated by the circumstances of the unknown here before her. Were John and Peter afraid of someone or something that might endanger them and cause them to exit quickly?
God’s people were not given the spirit of fear (2 Tim. 1: 7)
Did Magdalene show fear for herself?
God’s people are given power and boldness to solve problems regardless of their size
(Phil 4: 13).
Which of those individuals at the tomb that morning showed boldness? (Heb. 13: 6)
Intimidation, in many ways and form, is often Satan’s most powerful weapon against God’s children to discourage, hinder, and stall the work of the Gospel through its laborers. Many times this intimidation occurs when problems by laborers appear more difficult than what one personally can handle alone. The process of laborers in service for the Lord’s work, however, was never ever meant to solve problems without the Lord’s intervention and assistance. The enemy is too powerful and full of deceit. Include the Lord in all matters.
Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. (Matt. 11: 29-30). In turn, solutions will be found, and frustrations that we often are confronted and take with us, are left with the Lord to carry.
If we have been disappointed by our faithfulness to our Savior and Lord being less than we are pleased, remember the earlier disciples and Magdalene. Blind faith is sometimes all we have, but it’s all the faith we need! (Heb. 11: 6) (Matt. 17: 20).
Sower's Field by L. Michael Schoonover 