July 22 Devotion

[Pastor Joelle]

July 22 Mary of Magdalene

Mary Magdalene is mentioned in the Gospels as being among the women of
Galilee who followed Jesus and His disciples, and who was present at
His Crucifixion and Burial, and who went to the tomb on Easter Sunday
to annoint His body. She was the first to see the Risen Lord, and to
announce His Resurrection to the apostles. Accordingly, she is
referred to in early Christian writings as "the apostle to the
apostles."

In popular tradition and movies and novels Mary of Magdala is often
portrayed as a former prostitute. However there is nothing in the
Gospels to suggest that, only that Jesus cast seven demons out of her
(Luke 8:2)

It was Mary who saw Jesus standing by his open tomb, but she did not
recognize him right away and thinking he was the gardener, asked him
if he knew what happened to Jesus. When the risen Jesus spoke her
name, “Mary” she knew him and greeted him joyfully. The older
version of Jesus’ response to her “Touch me not for I have not yet
ascended to my Father” has made people suppose that he untouchable
because he was so holy and resurrected, however the literal Greek is
more like “Do not continue to hold on to me” No doubt having Jesus
back after supposing him dead, Mary was clinging to him for dear
life. But the Risen Christ has things to do, as does Mary. She is to
witness to his resurrection to the apostles. This is God’s joke on
Jewish law which did consider women to be reliable witnesses of
anything. Mary is not to remain in the garden hanging on to Jesus
for herself – she has good news to share. So do we.

Almighty God, whose blessed Son restored Mary Magdalene to health of
body and mind, and called her to be a witness of his resurrection:
Mercifully grant that by your grace we may be healed of all our
infirmities and know you in the power of his endless life; who lives
and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.