If anything about the stories of the resurrection ought to surprise us, it is this-- that the first witnesses and thereby first evangelists were women. Because of the culture of the day, this fact, above any other, might convince the doubting of the veracity of the resurrection accounts. For had men made up the story, they never would have made themselves appear so hard-headed and unbelieving, nor would they have made women the first witnesses. Since a woman’s testimony was not even allowed in the courts, they were unreliable at best. However, four accounts of the resurrection by four authors writing within the years following the events all tell how women were the first there. Also, none of the accounts visualize the actual “resurrection moment,” which had a bunch of desperate disciples penned it, certainly would have.
These women, although disbelieved by the disciples, were unflappable. They show spunk and stamina. They are clear, obedient witnesses, telling what Jesus tells them to tell. Over against the naysayers, they saw Jesus and stood by this claim. The thing about this is how true this still is today. Today, often, people see God in ways and places when others miss Him. Today, there is testimony of God moving, healing, working, changing lives, but not everyone gets to see him too.
The preciousness of the scene of Jesus with Mary of Magdala is one of the best. Dip into the story before Sunday in John 20:11-18. Like the two disciples heading to Emmaus, Mary at first does not recognize Jesus. She mistakes him for the gardener. Could it be that when we don’t believe Jesus will show up, we are less able to see Him when He does?
Her recognition comes at one word from Jesus -- her name. At hearing Jesus say her name, Mary recognized Jesus.
Are you looking for Jesus in this season of quarantine? Are you listening for Jesus to speak?
Come worship 9 am Sunday and be looking for Jesus this Mother’s Day. He’s at work — we just need to look and listen for Him.