In John 19, the apostle John records the humiliation and murder of our Lord Jesus. Our Savior endured these for us - taking God’s due punishment for all our sins. But, that is not the end of the story. John 20 speaks of the empty tomb and the resurrected Jesus. 1 Corinthians 15:20 calls Christ the firstborn of those raised from the dead. Resurrection is the basis of a same promise Jesus made to his disciples and to us all who love Him and obey His commandments. (John 14:2,3) Without the fact of the resurrection, Christians have no hope. Thus, the resurrection is key.
As John 20 tells, Jesus made known His resurrected self to his disciples and close friends starting the third day after his death and burial. This was done just as He had promised. (John 2:19) In this sermon, we delve closer into the Lord’s choice, Mary Magdalene, as well as her experience as the first eyewitness of His resurrected person.
Five Things About Mary Magdalene
- Mary’s past. (Luke 8:2)
- Mary’s devotion. (John 20:1)
- Mary’s tears. (John 20:2-15)
- Mary’s reunion. (John 20:15,16)
- Mary’s commission. (John 20:17,18)