“When Jesus rose early on the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had driven seven demons. 10 She went and told those who had been with him and who were mourning and weeping. 11 When they heard that Jesus was alive and that she had seen him, they did not believe it.” Mark 16.9-11
As I mentioned previously, Mark has two separate accounts of how the women reacted to Jesus not being in the tomb. The first, found in Mark 16:8, states, “Trembling and bewildered, the women went out and fled from the tomb. They said nothing to anyone, because they were afraid.” However, verses 9-11 tell a different story. Some scholars suggest these were written at later times or perhaps 9-11 were added to the gospel after the original account.
I have not done a deep dive into the textual criticism of this chapter, but I have a hunch that both accounts are true. Both are included in every Bible I have ever read, and therefore I think these two accounts could both be true without compromising either. Perhaps the women first returned to their homes trembling and bewildered, and then later, faithfully told the other disciples what they saw. The other Gospels, namely Matthew and Luke, suggest the women did inform Jesus’ followers about the resurrection. So ultimately, He appeared, and they went and told the good news.
Of course, they were much afraid, trembling, and bewildered! Who wouldn’t be? And who would blame them for retreating home first, waiting a while, and then doing what Jesus had commanded? And Mary Magdalene, of all people, whom Jesus had cast out not one but seven demons, did the telling. Even though some did not believe her, she did the telling (v.11).
I am currently attending the Next Level Preaching Conference, sponsored by the Mid Tex Conference of the Global Methodist Church and the George W. Truett Theological Seminary Wesley House of Studies. Last night, Reverend Kenneth Livingston preached to the 100 Methodist preachers present a good word. He said that in everything we do, we must preach the gospel. “Preachers preach!” was his catchphrase over and over again.
It makes me think about Mary at the tomb and her job to preach the resurrection of Jesus. Wasn’t that what she was doing? A woman relaying the good news of Jesus? Over and over again, with fervor and conviction. Even when some did not believe her, she was preaching the Gospel. This makes a woman the first preacher of the resurrection!
Our role is to tell the story. Even if it is uncomfortable, even if it is rare or not received, we are to tell the story. And we are to tell it not just to strangers but to those we love the most.
Today, let’s be like Mary and preach the gospel, telling the story of Jesus, who was raised from the dead into new life. The tomb is empty. He is not there — He has risen!
“O Lord God, I love you and praise your name. You are a good and faithful God. Even when my love fails, when I am distant from you in my sin, or when my mood just sours…you are constant in your pursuit of me. Come now, Holy Spirit, fill me with your power and love. Help me be all you have called and created me to be. I praise you, Lord, and glorify you today. For you are good, and your love endures forever.” Amen