OUR HOPE

The Bible does not tell us a lot about Mary Magdalene. Only that she was delivered from seven demons, but it doesn’t take too much imagination to think how her life must have changed after Jesus healed her. Once she was a tormented person, but Jesus set her free. She was ostracized by society but Jesus accepted her. Her life had had no purpose but Jesus gave her purpose. And so she followed Jesus. She was one of several women who ministered to the material needs of Jesus and the disciples as they traveled around and ministered.

She was present at the crucifixion, and along with some of the other women followed Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus as they took the body of Jesus and laid him in Joseph’s own tomb. The two men placed a mixture of myrrh and aloes on Jesus’ body and wrapped it with strips of linen. (John 19:38-40) The day after the crucifixion was a special Sabbath, the Passover, (John 19:31), so there wasn’t time for the women to place the customary spices on Jesus’ body.

Early on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene went to the tomb with some of the other women and disciples to place their spices and discovered two angels who told them Jesus was not there; He was risen. Everyone left but Mary stood outside the tomb weeping.

Jesus once said that those who have been forgiven much, love much. (Luke 7:47) Mary was devastated that her Lord was dead and now she didn’t even know where he had been taken so she could show her love by ministering to his body. We can only imagine how hopeless she felt.

In the middle of her hopelessness, Jesus appeared to her. How significant that the first person to see Jesus after his resurrection was this redeemed woman; someone whom society at that time would have scorned. As he said her name, “Mary”, she immediately recognized him and all her hope was returned.

Just as Jesus called Mary’s name, he calls our name. Rev. 3:19 says Jesus stands at the door and knocks. If we hear his voice and open the door (of our heart), he will come in and have dinner with us. If we hear his voice and respond, all our feelings of hopelessness can be banished. Hope — the feeling that what is wanted can be had or that events will turn out for the best:

The words of an old hymn read “My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus blood and righteousness.” As we respond to his call things that we cannot overcome on our own can be overcome, healing of emotional wounds is possible, answers will come and meaning to life can be restored; purpose will be given to our lives as we respond to his forgiveness. We can have hope because Jesus shed his blood for us, but he didn’t stop there. He rose from being dead to show us that with God nothing is impossible. Any problem or situation can be solved or resolved because of our risen Lord.

Yes, our hope is in Him!!

Naomi Brinkman