April 26th, 2025
by Rose Marie Abraham
by Rose Marie Abraham
The Power of Resurrection: From Doubt to Witness
As the sun rises on Easter morning, Christians around the world gather to celebrate the most pivotal event in their faith – the resurrection of Jesus Christ. But beyond the frilly socks, Easter baskets, and new outfits lies a profound message that resonates through the ages: He is risen.
This simple phrase carries immense weight, encapsulating the very foundation of Christian belief. Yet, on that first Easter morning, these words were met with skepticism and doubt. Why? Because of who delivered the message.
Mary Magdalene, a woman with a complex past, was the first to witness the empty tomb and the risen Christ. Her story challenges us to examine our own biases and the power of transformation.
Who was Mary Magdalene? Scripture tells us little about her background, but we know Jesus had cast seven demons out of her. This detail has led to centuries of speculation and often unfair characterization. Many have assumed she was a prostitute, though there's no biblical evidence for this claim.
What we do know is that Mary was completely overtaken by evil spirits before her encounter with Jesus. Whether these manifested as physical ailments, mental struggles, or spiritual bondage, we can't say for certain. But we can recognize that Mary, like all of us, had her demons to face.
Her story reminds us that our past does not define us. After her deliverance, Mary became one of Jesus' most devoted followers. She, along with other women, provided for Jesus and his disciples out of their own means. Mary was present at the crucifixion when many of the male disciples had fled. And on that first Easter morning, it was Mary who went to the tomb to anoint Jesus' body.
When she found the stone rolled away and encountered the risen Christ, Mary became more than just an eyewitness. She became what's known as a percipient witness – one who experiences an event with multiple senses. She saw the empty tomb, heard the angels' proclamation, and spoke with the resurrected Jesus himself.
Mary's encounter with the risen Christ transformed her from a woman with a troubled past to the bearer of the most important news in human history. Yet when she ran to tell the disciples, they did not believe her. Why? Because of her character, or rather, their perception of it.
This brings us to a crucial distinction: character and witness are not the same thing. Character refers to our intrinsic traits – integrity, honesty, compassion. Witness is the external manifestation of those internal qualities. Mary's witness was true, but the disciples' view of her character caused them to doubt.
How often do we miss the truth because we judge the messenger? How many times has God used the unlikely, the outcast, or the "sinner" to proclaim His message, only for it to fall on deaf ears?
The story of Mary Magdalene challenges us to look beyond our preconceptions and truly listen. It reminds us that God can use anyone – regardless of their past – to accomplish His purposes.
But Mary's story doesn't end with the disciples' doubt. She persisted in sharing what she had seen and heard. Eventually, Peter and John ran to the tomb to see for themselves. Mary's faithful witness, despite initial rejection, led to the spread of the greatest news in history.
This Easter, we're called to reflect on our own witness. What have we seen God do in our lives? What truths has He revealed to us? And most importantly, who will we tell?
The message of the resurrection is not meant to be kept to ourselves. Like Mary, we're called to share the good news, even if we fear rejection or doubt. Our past, our struggles, our perceived unworthiness – none of these disqualify us from being witnesses to the power of Christ.
The empty tomb stands as a testament to God's love and power. It declares that death has been defeated, that new life is possible, and that no one is beyond redemption. When Jesus called Mary by name in the garden, it was a deeply personal moment of recognition. He calls each of us by name as well, inviting us into a relationship with Him.
The resurrection isn't just a historical event to be celebrated once a year. It's a living reality that should transform our daily lives. Because Jesus lives, we can face our tomorrows with hope. Because He lives, we can overcome our fears and doubts. Because He lives, we have a message worth sharing with the world.
As we contemplate the empty tomb, let's ask ourselves:
1. What "demons" in our own lives need to be cast out by Jesus?
2. How has encountering the risen Christ changed us?
3. Who in our lives needs to hear the message of hope and new life?
4. Are we allowing our past or others' perceptions to hold us back from being faithful witnesses?
The power of the resurrection is not confined to ancient history or stone churches. It's a living force that can transform lives today. Just as Mary Magdalene was changed from a woman tormented by demons to the first witness of the resurrection, we too can experience radical transformation through Christ.
This Easter, let's not just celebrate an empty tomb. Let's embrace the life-changing power of the resurrection in our own lives. And like Mary, let's boldly share the good news with a world in desperate need of hope.
He is risen indeed. And that changes everything.
As the sun rises on Easter morning, Christians around the world gather to celebrate the most pivotal event in their faith – the resurrection of Jesus Christ. But beyond the frilly socks, Easter baskets, and new outfits lies a profound message that resonates through the ages: He is risen.
This simple phrase carries immense weight, encapsulating the very foundation of Christian belief. Yet, on that first Easter morning, these words were met with skepticism and doubt. Why? Because of who delivered the message.
Mary Magdalene, a woman with a complex past, was the first to witness the empty tomb and the risen Christ. Her story challenges us to examine our own biases and the power of transformation.
Who was Mary Magdalene? Scripture tells us little about her background, but we know Jesus had cast seven demons out of her. This detail has led to centuries of speculation and often unfair characterization. Many have assumed she was a prostitute, though there's no biblical evidence for this claim.
What we do know is that Mary was completely overtaken by evil spirits before her encounter with Jesus. Whether these manifested as physical ailments, mental struggles, or spiritual bondage, we can't say for certain. But we can recognize that Mary, like all of us, had her demons to face.
Her story reminds us that our past does not define us. After her deliverance, Mary became one of Jesus' most devoted followers. She, along with other women, provided for Jesus and his disciples out of their own means. Mary was present at the crucifixion when many of the male disciples had fled. And on that first Easter morning, it was Mary who went to the tomb to anoint Jesus' body.
When she found the stone rolled away and encountered the risen Christ, Mary became more than just an eyewitness. She became what's known as a percipient witness – one who experiences an event with multiple senses. She saw the empty tomb, heard the angels' proclamation, and spoke with the resurrected Jesus himself.
Mary's encounter with the risen Christ transformed her from a woman with a troubled past to the bearer of the most important news in human history. Yet when she ran to tell the disciples, they did not believe her. Why? Because of her character, or rather, their perception of it.
This brings us to a crucial distinction: character and witness are not the same thing. Character refers to our intrinsic traits – integrity, honesty, compassion. Witness is the external manifestation of those internal qualities. Mary's witness was true, but the disciples' view of her character caused them to doubt.
How often do we miss the truth because we judge the messenger? How many times has God used the unlikely, the outcast, or the "sinner" to proclaim His message, only for it to fall on deaf ears?
The story of Mary Magdalene challenges us to look beyond our preconceptions and truly listen. It reminds us that God can use anyone – regardless of their past – to accomplish His purposes.
But Mary's story doesn't end with the disciples' doubt. She persisted in sharing what she had seen and heard. Eventually, Peter and John ran to the tomb to see for themselves. Mary's faithful witness, despite initial rejection, led to the spread of the greatest news in history.
This Easter, we're called to reflect on our own witness. What have we seen God do in our lives? What truths has He revealed to us? And most importantly, who will we tell?
The message of the resurrection is not meant to be kept to ourselves. Like Mary, we're called to share the good news, even if we fear rejection or doubt. Our past, our struggles, our perceived unworthiness – none of these disqualify us from being witnesses to the power of Christ.
The empty tomb stands as a testament to God's love and power. It declares that death has been defeated, that new life is possible, and that no one is beyond redemption. When Jesus called Mary by name in the garden, it was a deeply personal moment of recognition. He calls each of us by name as well, inviting us into a relationship with Him.
The resurrection isn't just a historical event to be celebrated once a year. It's a living reality that should transform our daily lives. Because Jesus lives, we can face our tomorrows with hope. Because He lives, we can overcome our fears and doubts. Because He lives, we have a message worth sharing with the world.
As we contemplate the empty tomb, let's ask ourselves:
1. What "demons" in our own lives need to be cast out by Jesus?
2. How has encountering the risen Christ changed us?
3. Who in our lives needs to hear the message of hope and new life?
4. Are we allowing our past or others' perceptions to hold us back from being faithful witnesses?
The power of the resurrection is not confined to ancient history or stone churches. It's a living force that can transform lives today. Just as Mary Magdalene was changed from a woman tormented by demons to the first witness of the resurrection, we too can experience radical transformation through Christ.
This Easter, let's not just celebrate an empty tomb. Let's embrace the life-changing power of the resurrection in our own lives. And like Mary, let's boldly share the good news with a world in desperate need of hope.
He is risen indeed. And that changes everything.
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