Mary and the Empty Tomb

Which Mary?

Mary is such a common name. Most likely, you have heard about me; but perhaps you equated me to Mary, the sister of Martha and Lazarus. We are not related at all. They are from Bethany, while I am from the fishing village of Magdala, hence I am called Mary Magdalene. I lived a fearful life on account of some demons that tormented me day and night. One day, Jesus Christ came to our village. Out of curiosity, I followed the crowd. There I met Jesus, who had cast out seven demons from me (Luke 8:2). Ah, my life has never been the same since. Together with the twelve disciples and some women, I decided to follow Jesus and support His ministry in whatever way I could (Mark 16:9).

April 03, A.D. 33 was woefully a dismal day. We buried our Master in the newly built tomb that belonged to Joseph of Arimathea. This tomb was carved out of a rock with an opening of 4-5 ft. high and 2-3 ft. wide. To keep thieves from stealing the body, it was sealed with a stone that weighed 1 to 3 tons!

For three years, we followed Jesus and listened to His teachings. His death therefore crashed us and dashed our hopes to pieces. “What will happen next?” We kept asking the last three days. “What will become of our national hope--deliverance from the yoke of Rome?” “What about the teachings of Jesus on the kingdom and His promises of eternal life?”

The Stone Was Rolled Away

Three days after the burial of Jesus—the first day of the week, I made a trek to the site. From a distance, I thought something was amiss. Coming closer, something was in fact missing. How could this be? The seal of Tiberius was broken. The stone-covering was rolled away! What had happened? As fast as my feet could carry me, I ran to inform Peter and John.

The Linen Wrappings without the Body

Catching my breath now and then, I managed to explain what I had seen. Without delay, Peter ran to the tomb; but John, being the youngest of the apostles, outran him and arrived at the site first. He saw the gaping entrance then the linen wrappings; but without the body of our Master.

Peter arrived next, went in, and saw the linen wrappings and face cloth; but without the body. I cannot paint their facial expressions. John must have understood the significance of it all, but he did not say a word. Then each one left deeply occupied with their own thoughts.

My Master Was Taken Away!

I stayed behind, wondering what this all meant. Then I stooped and looked into the tomb. I thought I was dreaming for I saw two people inside; but I stand corrected. They were angels—that’s right, angels! “Why are you weeping?” They asked me. “They have taken away my Lord and I do not know where they have laid Him,” I replied. Having said that, I turned and was looking straight into the face of my Master, Jesus Christ; but I had mistaken Him for the gardener. He asked, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?” As I explained myself, I heard Him say, “Mary.” Did I hear it right? That’s my name and the voice sounded familiar! Perplexed, I could only utter, “Rabboni!”

My Master, Jesus Christ Is Alive!

I could not believe my eyes; yet it was true. Our Master is alive! I rushed to touch Him; but He said, “Do not touch me to validate if it is really me as I have not gone up to the Father yet.”

I shall never forget the events of that day. It was all that I needed to move on. Yes, He is risen! Our Savior is alive! Therefore, I have hope and every reason to live, que sera, sera. He is my all in all.

Moving On

Having met our risen Lord this morning, all my doubts were gone. His resurrection proved that everything He had taught us about God, heaven, and the after-life is true. He is the living God. Therefore, whatever we do for Him or on account of Him is never a wasted.

How about You?

Can you recall that day you decided to trust in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord? How long ago was that? Since then, what changes have occurred in your life? Does the living God remain the center of your life, family, and work? How has your fellowship with Him deepened in recent years? What dreams did He set in your heart? Which ones have you fulfilled? What will you do with the rest?

May the risen Lord be most real to you in your experiences the next days and years to come—be it in your happy or painful moments. May He envelope you with His love, comfort, peace, and joy. May He also find you (and all of us) faithful to the end. Maranatha!

Your fellow pilgrim,

Mona P. Bias

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