THE FIRST APPEARANCE OF THE RISEN LORD

“He appeared first to Mary Magdalene.’

Marco 16:9

To Mary Magdalene, before all others of Adam’s children, was granted the privilege of being first to behold the risen Saviour. A woman who at one time had been possessed by seven devils was the first to whom Jesus showed Himself alive. The fact is full of instruction.

I. Our Lord meant to show us how much He values love and faithfulness.—Last at the Cross and first at the grave, last to confess her Master while living, and first to honour Him when dead, this warm-hearted disciple was allowed to be the first to see Him when the victory was won. It was intended to be a perpetual memorial to the Church that those who honour Christ He will honour, and that those who do much for Him upon earth shall find Him even upon earth doing much for them.

II. It was intended to comfort all who have become penitent believers, after having run into great excesses of sin. It was meant to show us that, however far we may have fallen, we are raised to entire peace with God if we repent and believe the Gospel. Though before far off, we are made nigh. Though before enemies, we are made dear children. ‘Old things are passed away, and all things are become new’ (2 Corinzi 5:17).

—Bishop J. C. Ryle.

Illustration

'Non c'è nulla nel Nuovo Testamento per giustificare l'idea comune che Maria Maddalena fosse stata una peccatrice contro il settimo comandamento più di altri comandamenti. Non esiste alcun mandato scritturale per chiamare ospedali e manicomi, destinati alle donne cadute, "ospedali della Maddalena". Non si può trovare autorità migliore per l'idea comune sull'argomento che la tradizione. Allo stesso tempo è giusto dire che sembra forte la probabilità di supporre che i peccati di Maria Maddalena siano stati molto grandi. Probabilmente c'era qualche grave causa per cui era posseduta da sette diavoli, anche se la natura di ciò non ci è stata rivelata».

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