Maundy Thursday – March 24th 2016
“I have seen the Lord!” – John 20:18
This Fall I read a book written by Liz Curtis Higgs titled “Mad Mary”. It was a two part book including a thorough study of Mary Magdalene. When I first thought about what I was going to write, it was going to be bragging about how Mary M., a woman, was the first person Jesus appeared to after his resurrection. God not only chose a woman but a woman that had been liberated from the power of seven demons to be the privileged person to witness Jesus after He rose from the tomb! A lot could be written and studied to the importance of women in Jesus’ ministry.
After some thought I changed my focus (God is so wise) to what Mary Magdalene said and what she did after she spoke those amazing and bold words that first Easter morning. ”I have seen the Lord …” She had been a mad woman, filled with demons. She had been spiritually dead and Jesus healed her, forgave her, and filled her with the Holy Spirit. From that point on she still was a “mad woman” but directed her passion and devotion to boldly serving Jesus helping his ministry.
We ALL have or had “demons”; we are ALL sinners. We ALL have a God that forgives us over and over again for the wrongs we have committed. Mary Magdalene allowed and embraced Jesus healing of her past sins. Like Mary, we are sinners saved by God’s grace. ( Do I hear an “Amen?’)
That first Easter morning this liberated and faithful servant was the first to see Jesus, touch Jesus, and speak to Jesus. She did not hesitate but immediately ran and “went to the disciples with the news” John 20:18.
After Mary M’s early morning encounter she probably wanted to just stay right there, experience the moment and worship her Lord. But, “she went “ John 20:18 and shared the news with anyone or everyone that would listen to her. She did this because she was filled with so much joy and love. She went because that is what Jesus wanted her to do.
Have you seen the Lord? Have you opened your heart and soul to His healing, forgiveness, and grace? If you have then you need to go and tell other that you have “seen the Lord”! Have you told your mailman? How about that neighbor down the road? My dear Mill-Green family go and share this love story to the community and give them greatest gift of grace and forgiveness.
– Phyllis Smith
