I grew up very close with my cousins, and still, to this day, we consider each other more like siblings. Growing up, we did everything together, church, skating, birthday parties, and, of course, just sitting on the porch doing nothing. One of my favorite childhood memories is Saturday nights at Grandma's! We would stay up late watching our favorite cartoons and wake up early for Sunday school…grandma would always cook a hearty breakfast and make sure we had on our Sundays best. Growing up, we talked more frequently and didn't have to put so much effort into planning to see each other. But of course, as you know, being an adult makes these types of things a little more challenging. Therefore, who we find ourselves closest to may shift to those we work with or see more frequently in various environments.
Although some relationships shift over time, and we find ourselves close to certain people in certain seasons, some relationships stand the test of time. These relationships naturally adjust as seasons change. This was the case for Mary Magdalene and Jesus. Their relationship was one of those that remained. Mary wasn't just there with Jesus in His last days on Earth. But, she also traveled with Him and the disciples from town to town, sitting under his teaching and supporting the ministry. Let's take a glimpse into Mary's story.
"After this, Jesus traveled about from one town and village to another, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God. The Twelve were with him, and also some women who had been cured of evil spirits and diseases: Mary (called Magdalene) from whom seven demons had come out; Joanna the wife of Chuza, the manager of Herod's household; Susanna; and many others. These women were helping to support them out of their own means." Luke 8:1-3I love how the writer described Mary's past. It shows us that our past doesn't disqualify us from walking with Jesus, but instead it develops a deep longing to know Him deeply. Our sins and struggles prove that we need God, and it draws us closer to Him. I believe Mary's deliverance produced a seed of compassion and gratitude. And that's what kept her so close to Him!
Mary was there during the most challenging moments of Jesus' life on Earth. While he was on the cross, she stayed at His feet until they took His body to be buried and watched them roll the stone against the entrance of the tomb…Mary stayed to see it all. I believe her heart of worship gave her the strength to remain so close to Jesus, even in His suffering. And if that wasn't enough, guess who was one of the first to return to the tomb the next day...Mary!
As she returned, she found the stone rolled away. Jesus appeared to her and called her by name. He reassured her faith and gave her a word to share with the disciples! Mary's story reminds us of what walking with Jesus means. In times of uncertainty and uncharted territory...when we find ourselves in difficult situations...in times of pain, and sorrow...we must remind ourselves of the faithfulness of God and stay close to Him.
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