Their actions demonstrated the power of liberation.
On what appeared to be a solemn, yet, ordinary Saturday evening, they approached Jesus’ tomb. These women who had joined the entourage who followed Jesus in his life and kept watch over him in his death seek him again. They have come to touch the body of the one who touched theirs.
He saw them. He addressed them. He validated them.
For a while, they saw the cultural laws and nuances flipped upside down; in their favor. The confining identity to which they had settled began to tear. It seemed too good to be true. Perhaps it was.
But their devotion hasn’t waned. They come to honor his body one last time. They arrive bearing courage along with the spices. Have they no fear of what they may encounter?
Even guards and rocks are no match for the power ignited in the soul by this alleged Messiah. They can no longer settle for status quo thinking regarding their identity. Love liberates in a way nothing of this world can
And he wasn’t finished.
“Jesus said to her, “Mary!” She turned and said to him in Hebrew,[a]“Rabbouni!” (which means Teacher). 17 Jesus said to her, “Do not hold on to me, because I have not yet ascended to the Father. But go to my brothers and say to them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’” 18 Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, “I have seen the Lord”; and she told them that he had said these things to her.” (John 20:16-18)
Plenty of voices from the world could dictate their next steps. But these women encountered Jesus. And he has the last word.
How do you need Jesus to speak into your life?
Thank you Stephanie. I could read about His resurrection every day. Praying I keep His life and death and resurrection in the forefront with awe always, so as not to settle.
Beautiful! I love that women are such a vital part of this story. I’m in the 4 spot this week.