Mary Magdalene: From Grief to Resurrection Hope

 

Summary

In the story of Mary Magdalene's encounter with the risen Christ, we find a profound narrative of transformation and hope. Mary, the first to witness the resurrected Jesus, experiences a pivotal moment that changes everything. Her journey from grief to joy mirrors the transformative power of the resurrection. Initially, Mary is engulfed in sorrow, believing that Jesus' body has been taken. Her encounter with the angels and the supposed gardener, who is actually Jesus, highlights her deep grief and longing for her Lord. It is only when Jesus calls her by name that she recognizes Him, illustrating the personal and intimate nature of Christ's relationship with us.

This encounter is not just a personal revelation for Mary but a cosmic shift. The resurrection signifies the dawn of a new creation, where death is defeated, and life is renewed. Jesus, as the new Adam, ushers in this new creation, transforming the chaos of the old world into a new order. Mary's role as the first witness to the resurrection underscores the radical inclusivity of the Gospel, where even those marginalized by society are given a voice and a mission.

Mary's story invites us to reflect on our own encounters with the risen Christ. It challenges us to consider how Jesus meets us in our grief and transforms our lives. The resurrection is not just an event in history but a present reality that invites us into a new way of living. It calls us to let go of our old ways and embrace the new life that Jesus offers. In this new creation, we find our true identity and purpose, as we are called to be witnesses of the resurrection, proclaiming the good news of Jesus' victory over death.

Key Takeaways:

- Personal Encounter with Christ: Mary's recognition of Jesus when He calls her by name highlights the personal nature of our relationship with Christ. It is in the intimate moments of hearing our name that we truly encounter the risen Lord and find our identity in Him. [46:37]

- Transformation through Grief: Mary's journey from grief to joy illustrates how Jesus meets us in our deepest sorrows and transforms them. Our stories and pains are not ignored by God; rather, He engages with us in our reality, offering hope and renewal. [54:39]

- New Creation and New Identity: The resurrection signifies the beginning of a new creation, where Jesus, as the new Adam, brings order and life. This new creation invites us to embrace our identity as children of God, united with Christ in His victory over death. [57:42]

- Radical Inclusivity of the Gospel: Mary's role as the first witness to the resurrection challenges societal norms and highlights the inclusivity of the Gospel. It reminds us that in God's kingdom, all voices are valued, and everyone is called to be a witness to the resurrection. [01:00:45]

- Living in the Resurrection Reality: The resurrection is not just a historical event but a present reality that transforms our lives. It calls us to let go of our old ways and embrace the new life in Christ, living as witnesses to His victory and proclaiming the good news of His kingdom. [01:10:42]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:30] - Introduction to Mary Magdalene's Encounter
- [02:15] - The Race to the Tomb
- [05:00] - Mary's Grief and Encounter with Angels
- [08:45] - Jesus Appears as the Gardener
- [12:30] - Recognition and Revelation
- [15:20] - The New Creation Begins
- [18:10] - Mary's Role as the First Witness
- [21:00] - Transformation through Grief
- [24:00] - The Radical Inclusivity of the Gospel
- [27:30] - Living in the Resurrection Reality
- [30:00] - Personal Encounter with Christ
- [33:00] - Conclusion and Invitation
- [36:00] - Closing Prayer and Song Response

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- John 20:1-18

Observation Questions:
1. What was Mary Magdalene's initial reaction when she found the tomb empty, and how did she express her grief? [46:37]
2. How did Mary finally recognize Jesus, and what does this reveal about their relationship? [46:37]
3. What role did Mary Magdalene play after her encounter with the risen Christ, and how was this significant in the context of the society at that time? [01:00:45]

Interpretation Questions:
1. How does Mary's journey from grief to joy illustrate the transformative power of the resurrection in personal lives? [54:39]
2. In what ways does the resurrection signify the beginning of a new creation, and how does this concept challenge traditional views of identity and purpose? [57:42]
3. How does the radical inclusivity of the Gospel, as demonstrated by Mary's role, challenge societal norms and expectations? [01:00:45]

Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you felt overwhelmed by grief or loss. How did you experience or seek transformation in that situation? [54:39]
2. Consider how you perceive your identity in light of the resurrection. What old ways do you need to let go of to embrace the new life that Jesus offers? [57:42]
3. How can you actively participate in the inclusivity of the Gospel in your community, ensuring that all voices are valued and heard? [01:00:45]
4. Think about a personal encounter with Christ that has significantly impacted your life. How did it change your understanding of your relationship with Him? [46:37]
5. In what ways can you live out the reality of the resurrection in your daily life, proclaiming the good news of Jesus' victory over death? [01:10:42]
6. Identify a specific area in your life where you feel called to be a witness to the resurrection. How can you take practical steps to fulfill this calling? [01:00:45]
7. How can you cultivate a deeper, more personal relationship with Christ, similar to Mary's recognition of Jesus when He called her by name? [46:37]

Devotional

Day 1: Recognizing Christ's Call in Our Lives
In the story of Mary Magdalene, her recognition of Jesus when He calls her by name is a powerful testament to the personal nature of our relationship with Christ. This moment of recognition is not just about seeing Jesus physically but about understanding and acknowledging His presence in our lives. It is in these intimate moments, when we hear our name called by the Lord, that we truly encounter the risen Christ and find our identity in Him. This personal encounter is a reminder that Jesus knows us deeply and desires a relationship with us that is both personal and transformative. [46:37]

John 10:3-4 (ESV): "To him the gatekeeper opens. The sheep hear his voice, and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes before them, and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice."

Reflection: Think of a time when you felt God calling you by name. How did you respond, and how can you be more attentive to His voice in your daily life?


Day 2: Finding Joy in Transformation
Mary's journey from grief to joy illustrates how Jesus meets us in our deepest sorrows and transforms them. Her initial despair, believing that Jesus' body had been taken, is met with a profound revelation when she encounters the risen Christ. This transformation from grief to joy is a testament to the power of Jesus to engage with us in our reality, offering hope and renewal. It is a reminder that our stories and pains are not ignored by God; rather, He is present with us, ready to bring about transformation and healing. [54:39]

Isaiah 61:3 (ESV): "To grant to those who mourn in Zion—to give them a beautiful headdress instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the garment of praise instead of a faint spirit; that they may be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he may be glorified."

Reflection: Reflect on a current or past grief in your life. How might Jesus be inviting you to experience transformation and joy through His presence?


Day 3: Embracing Our New Identity in Christ
The resurrection signifies the beginning of a new creation, where Jesus, as the new Adam, brings order and life. This new creation invites us to embrace our identity as children of God, united with Christ in His victory over death. In this new reality, we are called to let go of our old ways and embrace the new life that Jesus offers. It is a call to live in the fullness of our identity in Christ, recognizing that we are part of a new creation that is marked by hope, renewal, and purpose. [57:42]

2 Corinthians 5:17 (ESV): "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come."

Reflection: What old habits or mindsets do you need to let go of to fully embrace your identity as a new creation in Christ?


Day 4: The Gospel's Radical Inclusivity
Mary's role as the first witness to the resurrection challenges societal norms and highlights the inclusivity of the Gospel. In a time when women were often marginalized, Mary's encounter with the risen Christ underscores the radical nature of the Gospel, where all voices are valued, and everyone is called to be a witness to the resurrection. This inclusivity is a reminder that in God's kingdom, there is no hierarchy of worth; all are invited to participate in the mission of proclaiming the good news of Jesus' victory over death. [01:00:45]

Galatians 3:28 (ESV): "There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus."

Reflection: Consider someone in your life who might feel marginalized or overlooked. How can you extend the inclusivity of the Gospel to them today?


Day 5: Living in the Reality of the Resurrection
The resurrection is not just a historical event but a present reality that transforms our lives. It calls us to let go of our old ways and embrace the new life in Christ, living as witnesses to His victory and proclaiming the good news of His kingdom. This reality invites us to live with a sense of purpose and hope, knowing that we are part of a story that is marked by redemption and renewal. As we live in the reality of the resurrection, we are called to be active participants in God's work in the world, sharing the hope and love of Christ with those around us. [01:10:42]

Colossians 3:1-2 (ESV): "If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth."

Reflection: What is one practical way you can live out the reality of the resurrection in your daily life, sharing the hope and love of Christ with others?

Quotes


Here in John 20, something happens, or has happened, and it's a rift in time, and everything has changed. When N. T. Wright says, the future has transported into the present in this moment, and everything has changed. Because Jesus is not dead, he is alive, embodied, everything has changed. And what I want you to see here, three things. The first, Mary's call and our call, Mary's grief and our grief, and then the whole of creation have changed. Now, first, it's important to know who this Mary is. She's mentioned five times in John's Gospel, the first time, just in the previous chapter, chapter 19. [00:49:12] (39 seconds) Edit Clip


Mary is here to anoint Jesus's body. She's a watchman on the Tower of Mourning, the first one there that morning. And when she leaves, what changes? What changes for her? She now becomes a witness of what? Resurrection of grave clothes and death folded up, put away of a body. That's not dead, but alive. The fact that she is a witness by all the Gospel writers shouldn't be lost on us. [00:51:46] (32 seconds) Edit Clip


And here the Gospel writers give platform to Mary and these women as the first to see the risen Jesus, their testimony valued, respected. And in the face of questions where testimony by a man might confirm things, the Bible doesn't shy away from giving this platform to Mary and these women. So Mary leaves this place as the first Christian, the first to announce what? He is alive. [00:52:18] (31 seconds) Edit Clip


This morning, I want to invite you into this space to consider how encountering the risen Jesus changes your call. She is now an Apostle to the Apostles. The Apostles are the ones who have seen Jesus and announced the good news. This is what Mary does. He is risen. The second thing is Mary's grief. There's something about Christianity. God never engages any of us in a vacuum. To know God is to know him within your story and your life, not apart from it. [00:53:10] (36 seconds) Edit Clip


And Jesus doesn't just reveal himself. Ta-da, it's me. I'm here. He engages Mary where? Where she is. In her grief. In her loss. In her story. This is what God does. And maybe that's what he wants to do with us today. Here where we sit. And so the angels and then Jesus, disguised as the gardener, ask, Why are you crying? [00:55:01] (22 seconds) Edit Clip


Mary asks this question looking into him, lost in her grief. She can't even look up. She's not even paying attention to the gardener who's talking to her. And then Jesus says her name. Mary. Mary hears for the first time. And suddenly she turns around and the questions are no more. The sheep know the shepherd's voice, Jesus says. She finds who she's looking for and the moment she finds him, she finds herself. The moment she hears her name, she knows him. And that is the point. [00:59:30] (38 seconds) Edit Clip


Your name spoken by Jesus. That he knew what was going on with you the whole time. And he was watching and waiting, is waiting and has said your name. Or at some point you will know when he has said your name. And this is the thing. This is the thing about union with Jesus. Your, your actual self and actual story united to his actual self and his story. [01:00:40] (26 seconds) Edit Clip


When Jesus says Mary's name, it's like he's bringing her into the story of the resurrection and allowing her to say, we did it. We beat death. Jesus meets Mary in her grief, her questions. Everything's changing, changes with he is risen. And this leads to the last transformation. All of creation has been changed. Like John gives us all these Easter eggs, bear with me in this passage, these hidden things. First, our passage begins with the first day of the week. Sabbath for the Jew was Saturday evening to Sunday evening. But here on Sunday morning, we have begun the first day of the week. [01:01:52] (45 seconds) Edit Clip


John tells us in John 12, unless a grain of wheat falls to the earth and dies, he cannot bear much fruit. But if he dies, he will bear much fruit. This is the scene. This is the garden. He is the gardener. He has come to uproot the thorns and thistles of the curse. As far as that curse is found, and replaced them with blooms and harvest, as far as that curse is found. So the sin of mankind is buried in the very place where sin and death came from. Third, Mary's grip. Right? Mary does what any of us would do. She sees Jesus and she latches on, hugs him, grabs him, clutches him. [01:03:31] (45 seconds) Edit Clip


Jesus tells Mary Magdalene to go and tell his brothers. Interesting he uses the term, I'm ascending to my Father and your Father, my God and your God. What's going on here? Jesus is saying, I am alive again. I've conquered death in my body. What that means is that all of my people are now a part of this family because of Jesus's resurrection. His disciples have God as a father. Because of his resurrection, Mary is now an adopted daughter of the Father. You're no longer a slave, but a son. And if a son, an heir through God. The resurrection means that God, our Father, through Jesus, has adopted us. [01:06:23] (39 seconds) Edit Clip


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Transcript
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Were there any personal stories shared?