“Seven is a mystic number suggesting “completeness,” implying that when the evil spirits dominated Mary, the suffering was exceptionally serious. Afflicted with nervousness, she may have been the victim of violent epilepsy, and some other extreme side effects of the condition. Her demonic possession would have done more harm to her than you and I can imagine, but…”
She stood at the tomb, sobbing and became extremely emotional, that the two angels asked her, woman, why are your crying? Mary Magdalene came to the tomb and could not find Jesus on the third day. Jesus’ body was not stolen, but how would she have expected that our risen Lord Jesus be amongst the dead? Not a chance! As written, He rose on the third day, never to be dead again, but will be seated at the right hand of the father, as our advocate.
Mary – The Woman Crying
Although Mary was a woman of high standing and comfortable circumstances, she suffered from a spiritual mental disorder and periodic madness due to the her being possessed by “the seven spirits”. “And it came to pass afterward, that [Jesus] went throughout every city and village, preaching and shewing the glad tidings of the kingdom of God: and the twelve were with him,” “And certain women, which had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities, Mary called Magdalene, out of whom went seven devils.” (Luke 8:1-2) (KJV) Seven is a mystic number suggesting “completeness,” implying that when the evil spirits dominated Mary, the suffering was exceptionally serious. Afflicted with nervousness, she may have been the victim of violent epilepsy, and some other extreme side effects of the condition. Her demonic possession would have done more harm to her than you and I can imagine, but this did not determine her chance of relating to the risen Jesus. In fact, according to the scriptures, she was the first person that saw Jesus Christ after resurrection. You therefore, do not have an excuse not to have a relationship with Jesus. It does not matter how disorganised your past has been, even Christ’s resurrection can give you a new beginning in Him today.
“The resurrection of Jesus brings us to the point of remembrance of God’s unconditional love to us, and the only way to reciprocate this love is NOT to raise a huge amount of money and give to the charity or invest building project within the church, but to love Him and love others. ”
Go, Tell Them!
It did not matter the horrible past Mary had, suffering from seven demons, which added mental disability to her medical record, Jesus asked her why are you crying? And asked her to go and announce to others that He has risen from the dead. “Go…to my brothers and tell them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.” Mary Magdalene went to the disciples with the news: “I have seen the Lord!” And she told them that he had said these things to her.” (John 20:17-18). It is possible to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus and not have an idea of what role we are to play in this.
Not Just Easter Egg Search!
There is misplacement of the significance in the resurrection episode. A lot of Christians do not even have an idea of what this is all about. The love of God towards mankind, the ever forgiving nature of the Almighty God and the assignment to go and proclaim to the world the love and the grace which we have found in Him are the things we need to be aware of. It is not therefore in the job role of the pastor and the evangelism team, but the role belongs to all Christians who believe in Christ. The resurrection of Jesus brings us to the point of remembrance of God’s unconditional love to us, and the only way to reciprocate this love is NOT to raise a huge amount of money and give to the charity or building project within the church, but to love Him and love others. As Jesus told Mary Magdalene, “Go instead to my brothers and tell them”, he is saying the same thing to you now. Jesus came and died for all, and the message is for all. Not even about denominations or a group of saints!
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16)
“He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.” (Mark 16:15-16)
Written by
Rev. Ayodele Afuye
