“Mary Magdalene: Called By Name”
He has risen! I’m grateful we can celebrate Easter Sunday together today, friend.
In my humble opinion, I have saved the best for last for our Holy Week series!
When we meet Mary Magdalene for the first time in scripture, her name is accompanied by a difficult but powerful description. Listen to Luke 8:2: “… and also some women who had been cured of evil spirits and diseases: Mary (called Magdalene) from whom seven demons had come out.”
Think about that number—seven! Seven demons. Mary’s life was a spiritual battleground, a life shattered and scattered. Many of us know what it's like to carry burdens, to feel broken. Maybe it's not literal demons, but those inner struggles, those chains that bind us.
But this is the heart of Easter! Jesus didn't remove Himself from people like Mary. He didn't turn away in judgment, instead, He stepped into her life and prepared her for a transformation. He saw her—the real her—and He spoke life into her chaos. He cast those demons out and restored her dignity, her identity, and her purpose. This wasn't just a healing; it was a miracle transformation!
And what did Mary do with the transformation and deliverance Jesus offered? She didn't retreat into the shadows. No, she embraced the LIGHT! She became a follower, a devoted disciple, and a friend. She walked with Jesus, served Him, and witnessed His crucifixion. She was there, at the foot of the cross, when the others scattered. And just when she was about to lose hope, Jesus brought about a second great miracle—Mary was the first to see the RISEN JESUS!
Think about that! The woman who was once possessed, who was once defined by her brokenness, became the first evangelist, the first to proclaim, "He is risen!" What a transformation! That's the power of Jesus to take our shattered pieces and create something beautiful—something bold! I love these words...
“Now Mary stood outside the tomb crying. As she wept, she bent over to look into the tomb and saw two angels in white, seated where Jesus’ body had been, one at the head and the other at the foot. They asked her, ‘Woman, why are you crying?’ ‘They have taken my Lord away,’ she said, ‘and I don’t know where they have put him.’ At this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not realize that it was Jesus. He asked her, ’Woman, why are you crying? Who is it you are looking for?’ Thinking he was the gardener, she said, ‘Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will get him.’
Jesus said to her, ‘Mary.’
… Mary Magdalene went to the disciples with the news: ‘I have seen the Lord!’ And she told them that he had said these things to her.” (John 20:11-16 and 18, NIV)
Did you see that? Jesus calls Mary—by name!
We often think transformation is about becoming something we've never been. But sometimes, it's about reclaiming who we were always meant to be, before we lost our way and our identity.
Mary's story reminds us that no matter how far we've fallen, no matter how broken we feel, Jesus can restore us. He can take our pain and turn it into purpose. He can take our fear and turn it into faith. So, let Mary's boldness inspire you. Let her journey remind you that transformation is possible, that resurrection is real, and that Jesus sees you, even in your brokenness.
Let Mary remind you today, friend, “HE IS RISEN!!!!”
Never forget my friend, you are a miracle!
