Encounter: Mary Magdalene

Scripture: Luke 8:1-2, John 20:10-18 NET

Some time afterward he went on through towns and villages, preaching and proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God. The twelve were with him, and also some women who had been healed of evil spirits and disabilities: Mary (called Magdalene), from whom seven demons had gone out …

So the disciples went back to their homes. But Mary stood outside the tomb weeping. As she wept, she bent down and looked into the tomb. And she saw two angels in white sitting where Jesus’ body had been lying, one at the head and one at the feet. They said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping?” Mary replied, “They have taken my Lord away, and I do not know where they have put him!” When she had said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Who are you looking for?” Because she thought he was the gardener, she said to him, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will take him.” Jesus said to her, “Mary.” She turned and said to him in Aramaic, “Rabboni” (which means Teacher). Jesus replied, “Do not touch me, for I have not yet ascended to my Father. Go to my brothers and tell them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’” Mary Magdalene came and informed the disciples, “I have seen the Lord!” And she told them what Jesus had said to her.

Prayer:

Dear Jesus,

All those who have encountered you and believed in you have been spiritually healed. All lives have been changed, but maybe none more than the life of Mary Magdalene. Consumed by the power of the enemy, she was hopeless and helpless until she met you. Then, she was transformed from a lost soul to a constant companion. Her life became one of service to her healer and learning from the Master. Mary encountered you daily and walked with you to your death, and then beyond. Let that be my legacy, Lord—to encounter you daily, and to seek you with an expectant heart. In Jesus’ name,

Amen.

Read all of 40 Days of Prayer at easter.crossings.church.