Easter Missionary
|
When we remember the resurrection, we cannot neglect a young lady from a place called Magdala in Galilee. She is none other than Mary Magdalene. It is fit to call this wonderful lady as the Easter Missionary. In this message we are going to see how this woman from whom Jesus cast out seven demons (Mark 16:9) became the Easter Missionary. The day in which Jesus resurrected was not an easy day. It was just three days after He was crucified. It was just three days after all the disciples were scattered and on that day they were all gripped with fear. They felt as if they lost their leader and provider. It is not easy to become a missionary, that too at a time of oppression and depression. Mary is remembered even now because she had the boldness to proclaim the resurrection of Christ when the situation was tense and the disciples were without any hope. We are going to see four steps or four missionary journeys through which Mary became the first missionary. Please take your Bibles and turn to John Chapter 20. 1. Mary’s First Missionary Journey: In John 20:1 we read that Mary traveled from her home(Magdala) to the tomb near Calvary in Jerusalem. The distance between these two places is more than 10 miles. When we read carefully we can understand that Mary was near the tomb at the wee hours of Sunday (say 4 a.m.). She must have walked for about 3 hours to reach that place. That means she must have started from home at about 1 a.m. She had no sleep on that day. She walked through the rugged mountainous route in the midst of threat from the Roman soldiers, unfavorable time at midnight etc., But she neglected all these because she had a desire to put perfumes to the body of Christ. She didn’t know that Jesus was risen from death. But she had a thirst for Jesus and that desire made her the first missionary. Are we ready to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ in adverse conditions. We are always looking for comfort and waiting for favorable conditions and climate. A missionary should have the unction of the Holy spirit to crave for dying souls. A missionary should be a night watchman as Mary who was waiting for the dawn. (Psalms 130:6) When she saw the stone of the tomb had been removed she started running back. 2. Mary’s Second Missionary Journey: John 20:2 says that Mary ran from the tomb to the place where the disciples were staying. Most of the disciples were also from Galilee because they were all called by Jesus during His ministry there. So this running also must have been for about 10 miles (3 hours). She must have reached there at about 8 in the morning. This journey was because of the excitement she had when the tomb was open. Our ministry starts from the open tomb. Because of this empty tomb we see miracles and wonders in our ministry. But we should not be satisfied with what we do. We should proceed further because of the excitement we experience. Mary could have just kept quiet and waited there. But she wanted to share her excitement with others. As a lady she didn’t want to take a decision on her own. She wanted to discuss about that with the elders. A missionary should act with excitement and at the same time discuss with elders to get guidance. 3. Mary’s third Missionary Journey: When Mary told the disciples about what she saw at the tomb of Jesus, Peter and John ran to the tomb (John 20: 3). When they bent over and looked into the tomb they could only see the clothes of Jesus Christ. They could not understand that Jesus was resurrected. They went back home. But the Bible says that Mary stood outside the tomb crying (John 20: 10). This means that after telling the disciples about the tomb, Mary followed them when they were running to the tomb. She ran for the third time. She must have reached the tomb by about 12 noon. By this time she must have run to and fro for about 30 miles. What is the use of this third journey. What does it signify? Though the disciples left the tomb, she could not. She wanted to know what happened to Jesus Christ. We, as God’s servants should have a confirmation in our call. We must have a vision and goal in the mission we undertake. The Bible says that when she peeped into the tomb she saw two angels. (20:12). But she was not satisfied with that. Many times we are satisfied with some visions of angels and dreams. We boast about the revelation gifts we have. But we must learn from Mary to behold the glory of God Himself. When she turned back she saw Jesus Christ and she got the real revelation. (20:15-16). The effectiveness of our missionary work lies on the fact that how much intimacy we have with Jesus Christ. Mary forgot all the pains she had when she saw Jesus. 4. Mary’s fourth Missionary Journey : Even though she was tired in her body and even though she got the full satisfaction of meeting the resurrected Jesus Christ, she obeyed the commandment of Jesus. (John 20:17). She walked back to the house where the disciples were gathered. She didn’t question Jesus Christ. She didn’t grumble because the disciples had no desire to wait for Jesus Christ. She became a victorious missionary to proclaim the resurrection of Jesus Christ to the senior disciples who were gripped with fear and doubt. She must have reached that house at about 4 in the evening. By that time she must have been very tired. But the Bible says “on the evening of the first day of the week, when the disciples were together with the doors locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them”. Hopefully Mary was also there to be added with the disciples to carry out the great commission. May God open our eyes to be missionaries like Mary Magdalene in the midst of adversities to spread the good news of the risen Christ on this Easter day. God bless, Rev. Dr. Bevin G. Lawrence, |
|
The Resurrection of Jesus Christ is the turning point in the world history and in the life of every believer. If there is no resurrection our faith would have been a dead faith. Every Christian has a privilege to proclaim that he/she is worshiping a living God who conquered death. The resurrection of Jesus Christ was the beginning of evangelism and missions. So it is apt to meditate about the “Easter Missionary” in this Easter season.
 Printable Version |