Mary's son died and was buried. In fact, the evidence that Jesus was dead before they laid him in the tomb is overwhelming. The soldiers would not have released his body if he wasn't dead. On the day of Jesus' death, at noon, darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon. At three in the afternoon Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?” meaning, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Mark 15:33-34). Mary witnessed all these and might have marveled and yet be sad. Jesus' body was handed over to Joseph of Arimethea who provided the tomb (Mark 15:45-46) and together with Nicodemus (who provided the spices, John 19: 39-41). Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joseph saw where Jesus laid (Mark 15:47).
That weekend might have been the longest weekend. Judas who betrayed Jesus committed suicide, the rest of the apostles were afraid and were in hiding. Mary might have cried her eyes out. Jesus had mentioned his death and resurrection in many of his sermons and conversations with his disciples but at the time it happened, neither of them saw that his death was momentarily. Mary would have considered the words of Simeon to her at the temple (during her purification rites after Jesus was born): "Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: “This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.” (Luke 2:34-35). Indeed a sword had pierced Mary's soul. The pain was unbearable. But, it wasn't for long.
When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices so that they might go to anoint Jesus’ body. (Mark 16:1)
“Don’t be alarmed,” he said. “You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid him. (Mark 16:6)
This is what happened on the first day of the week (Sunday): "On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the women took the spices they had prepared and went to the tomb. They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. While they were wondering about this, suddenly two men in clothes that gleamed like lightning stood beside them. In their fright the women bowed down with their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, “Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; he has risen! Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee: 'The Son of Man must be delivered over to the hands of sinners, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.’ ” (Luke 24:1-7)
The women rushed back to the other disciples and told them what they had seen and heard. However, the disciples did not believe the women, because their words seemed to them like nonsense. Peter, however, got up and ran to the tomb. Bending over, he saw the strips of linen lying by themselves, and he went away, wondering to himself what had happened (Luke 24:11-12). Later, Jesus revealed Himself to the disciples in different encounters. What a joy! Mary's son is back to life; not to live as the son of Mary but to live eternally as the Son of God! His death paid the ransom for all humanity. Mary saw the bigger picture, her son was the bridge to the restoration of the world and He had to die so humanity will live eternal even after the death in the body. Mary's son defeated death, and hades and led all who were in their captivity to see the light of God. Mary’s son restored God's presence on earth. The broken relationship in Eden was restored on the cross.
Mary's heart was full. Indeed she was highly favoured among all women. She saw herself as part of God's agenda. The whole counsel of heaven chose her to fulfill this purpose. It wasn't an easy journey. Mary experienced all sorts of emotions but most importantly, she herself experienced God's salvation. Her once baby boy, is now the man she must run to, to get saved from the clutches of sin and death. Mary might have pondered, all this while, she had incubated the Creator in her womb. She took care of Him as a baby, as a toddler, as boy, as a teenager, as a man. Mary saw God die and rise up again to rescue her and her people. She pondered over all these and everything made complete meaning. As Mary at this point shared the stories she had kept in her heart with the disciples, which were later recorded by divine inspiration. Mary knew that, one day,she would stand before Jesus, her Saviour and be welcomed to eternal abode.
The life of Mary was nested by God to create the perfect salvation story. Remember, "Just as people are destined to die once, and after that to face judgment, so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him." (Hebrews 9:27-28). Do you know the Lord? Is he your Saviour? Is he your Lord? Feel free to reach out as we help you make this all important life decision.
Jesus said, "The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly. “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep." (John 10:10-11 NKJV)
Come to Jesus now!
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