Scriptural text: Mark 15:40; 16:1-9
Women Called to Serve (Luke 8:1-3). In Luke 8:1-3, we are able to see how our Lord and the twelve were able to devote themselves full time to the ministry of preaching and evangelizing. Some women whose lives had been transformed by Jesus traveled with them, serving in practical ways and giving generously out of their private means.
As Jesus ministers, He draws followers who come from a wide variety of backgrounds. Mary Magdalene is apparently a single woman of independent means, while Joana was the wife of Herod’s steward Chuza, evidence that Jesus’ message has reached even unto the palace. When these and other women come to faith, they immediately give of their resources to enable Jesus’ ministry to continue.
Women Who Are Faithful to the End (Mark 15:40). The people of God have been blessed and often sustained by the courageous faithfulness of godly women. While the men who were closest to Jesus betrayed, denied, and abandoned him, the women were different. They helped support him and his ministry and then followed him as he passed through the streets going to Golgotha, were present at the cross, met him at the empty tomb, and were present in the upper room at Pentecost. We must never underestimate or devalue the importance of godly women. Jesus never did! Mark gives us their names-Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James and Joses, and Salome (verse 40). These women play two important roles. First, they are simply there. Second, they witnessed what happened. They see Jesus’ death. They see where he is laid (Mark 15:47), and finally, they see the open, empty tomb and the divine messenger of the Resurrection.
The Women Saw Him First! (John 20:10-14). The disciples went home after Jesus’ crucifixion. But Mary Magdalene did linger-overcome by an intense sadness. This woman whom Jesus had so greatly blessed could not bear the thought of knowing that something unthinkable had happened to the body of her loving friend and Savior. Thus, she lingered at the tomb and, through her tears, looked inside one more time, perhaps hoping against hope that somehow Jesus’ body would be there, undisturbed and at rest. Mary did not see a body, but she saw two angels-God’s ministering spirits. She did not recognize them as the “two men in shining garments who had earlier greeted the women.
The Gardener Was Jesus! (John 20:15-18). Jesus asked Mary, “Why are you weeping?” Mary in her state of confusion, thought he was the gardener. Only when Jesus through by calling her name, “Mary,” did she burst into joyful recognition of her Savior. She no doubt recognized the Master’s voice as Jesus had promised-“the sheep hear his voice” (John 10:3). To the sound of her own name on the lips of Jesus, Mary replied instantly with her familiar name for Him-“Rabboni” (verse 16).