Women of the Word: Mary Magdalene #9

 On Good Friday after three hours on the cross, Jesus cried out to His Father and was gone.  All four Gospels state that Joseph of Arimathea retrieved Jesus's body for burial. Joseph was known as a "secret" follower of Jesus.  A wealthy man who may have been a "respected member of the Council". He purchased a linen shroud and then he removed Jesus' body from the cross. Nicodemus (if you recall, he was a Pharisee and he had a nighttime discussion with Jesus previously) accompanied Joseph. He brought 75 pounds of spices to prepare Jesus's body.  This abundance showed Nicodemus' wealth as well as his respect for Jesus. Jewish custom would have his body wrapped in linens mixed in myrrh and aloe. 

The cave that Jesus was buried in may have belonged to John of Arimathea, it is not completely clear.  As it was getting close to dusk on the Day of Preparation, they left shortly after. 

The morning after the Sabbath, the women, including Mary Magdalene, returned to the cave to anoint Jesus' body with spices. It is thought that they came back to do this because Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus were in such a hurry due to the time of day. It may also be because the women wanted to add their honor by a second anointing. 

We can assume that Mary M was very distraught at all that she had witnessed over the past several days.  But what she sees soon will make up for every moment of sorrow! 

Mary M found the rock rolled away and no body in the tomb. She ran to tell Peter and John “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we don’t know where they have put him!” Both of the disciples go and see that what she says is true.  Only the linen strips and the cloth from his head remain in the tomb. 

You can imagine what they must have been thinking. After being shamed and humiliated like he was by being beaten, made to carry his own cross, and mocked and now what have they done with his body? 

Mary stood outside of his tomb and wept.  But then she saw two angels inside the tomb where Jesus had been lying.  They asked why she was crying and she said because they had taken her Lord away. 

After this, she turns and sees Jesus, but she doesn't recognize Him. (This happens with two of the disciples as well - it is unknown why they did not know Him) It isn't until Jesus says her name, "Mary" that she knows that it is Him! 

We will finish up next time and I will share some sources for further study as well as some printables. 

Be blessed!