How many times have you missed pivotal details by skimming through well-known stories in the Bible? This Easter, it’s time to pull the characters away from the flannel graph and imagine these narratives as more than just stories – they were reality. Go back to Jerusalem, and put yourself into the thoughts and emotions of this New Testament woman.
The fluttering of her heart beat faster as she crept from her pallet, clutching prized flasks of perfume to her chest. Careful, so as not to wake the others, she tip-toed across the room and slipped outside as quietly as a gentle breeze.
The path before her lay enveloped in shadows, causing her to stumble and wince occasionally as a sharp stone pierced her foot. Maybe it was foolish to set off by herself, but she needed to face His bruised and battered body alone.
She shivered, but not from the cold. Her mind raced backward to the first time she met the man who made this walk so unbearable. She was a soul tormented by whispered lies and terrifying visions. It was a miracle she had even spotted Him in the crowd that day. When their eyes met, she found herself pushing and shoving people away, just to be near Him.
“Mary.” His voice was smooth, like honey, his touch gentle and warm. How did He know her name?
Her heart squeezed tight, yet her soul felt bare and open. Peace began to work its way through her small frame and one by one, she felt the spirits leave her.
Shaking her head back to reality, Mary focused on finding the grave that held Him. Sliding between the cool rocks, her heart began to pound as she crept closer. There. His tomb. Her Lord.
Something wasn’t right. The heavy stone that once sealed the tomb’s entrance was missing. She felt the blood drain from her face and fear pulsed through her veins. She advanced toward the opening and peeked inside. The slab where the body had lain was empty! Thinking herself mad, Mary closed her eyes and took a deep breath. One of her eyes cracked open, slowly followed by the other. Nothing had changed. Tears flowed as she fought to control the despair settling into her heart.
How much more could she take? Her thoughts flew back to His crucifixion, watching the sharp crown of thorns being pushed into His tender flesh. The spear thrust into his vulnerable side, the nails piercing the hands that had once healed her. Mary pulled her tunic closer, burying her face into the soft folds.
“Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?” Mary wiped her eyes and looked up to see a kind and gentle man approaching her. Thinking him the gardener, Mary bowed her head, lip quivering in response,
“Sir, if you have carried Him away, tell me where you have laid Him.”
The man tilted his head, “Mary.”
Eyes widening, she jerked her head toward the one who had uttered her name. That voice. It couldn’t be. Could it? Blinking through the tears, Mary struggled to see the man’s blurry image before her. The familiar use of her name…the way his eyes beckoned her once more…perhaps it is Him. Recognition burst through the floodgates of her soul and she shouted,
“Rabboni!”
As a woman, I can certainly imagine the range of emotions Mary must have felt that day. She woke up in the morning with a broken heart, experienced shock at finding an empty tomb, and later rejoiced in a Savior who had conquered death. This season, may you share Mary’s passion and excitement in knowing Jesus has risen!
By Kalyn Comings, A Quiet Strength
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Amy says
What a gift Mary was given to be the one who saw Him! Can you imagine?!?! I am so glad you gave this perspective today! Rich blessings…
Kalyn says
It is so much fun to imagine and I wish I could have been there! Blessings to you as well!
Jen says
Beautiful post! Thank you for walking us through Mary’s emotions!
Blessings!
Kristen@Chasing Blue Skies says
Kalyn, this is stunning. You take me right into Mary’s world, into her heart and soul. Thank you for sharing such beauty here! Happy Easter!
snowflakes2hotcakes says
Had me in tears, Kalyn. I loved this, and it broke my heart as well. I have never thought of it from Mary Magdalene’s perspective before. I’m sharing on twitter and facebook, and possibly on my blog too. Thank you for waking me up to a new perspective this morning.
Holley Gerth says
Beautiful, Kalyn. Thanks for helping us see timeless truth with new eyes!
Jan says
So well written! Thank you for sharing a different perspective of the empty tomb.
Sarah Elizabeth says
Smiles and shiny eyes. Thank you for putting skin on a beautiful story, I’m posting back to this on my blog later today!
http://www.welcometolove.net/2011/04/stories-pause-and-soak.html
Sarah Elizabeth
Kalyn says
I love that phrase – “putting skin onto a story”. Makes it so much more real!
Good Friday and Happy Earth Day! | More Than Mundane says
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Kristina Petrella says
Well done, Kalyn! Other than that I’m left speechless!
Kalyn says
Thank you for all your wonderful responses – I am truly humbled by your kind words! May you all be blessed this Easter season!
Teri @ StumblingAroundInTheLight says
Beautiful, beautiful narrative on Mary’s early-morning pursuit of Jesus…
what a lovely image for my Easter weekend!
Thanks, Kalyn!
Rejoicing in His Resurrection –
Teri
Sarah Elizabeth says
Aw man, I just read it again and it got me again! Grand stuff Kalyn, truly grand. Thank-you.
Grandma says
I am so filled by God’s goodness in how He has given you a gift of sharing with others your insight into Mary’s feelings that day. It made me stop and think about it from
Mary’s feelings. Keep sharing with others as you feel Him leading. Grandma is proud of you.