READ: Mark 16:1-14
“He that hath my com- mandments, and keep- eth them, he it is that loveth me …” – John 14:21
It is significant that the Lord appeared first to Mary Magdalene when He rose from the dead. Women had a special place in the ministry of Jesus. They were not called to be apostles or pastors. Jesus did not have any woman in the team of the twelve disciples.
But why did He appear first to Mary Magdalene? This is a great lesson to all of us.
Your importance to the Lord Jesus is not determined by the mag- nitude of the task given to you. Your personal faithfulness, dedica- tion and commitment to the Lord
Jesus are more important than anything else. Mary Magdalene was at the scene of the crucifixion. She was personally dedicated to the ministry of the Lord Jesus Christ even though she had no special position or function.
The foremost commandment of the Lord Jesus is to love God with all your heart. You may be surprised to know that one of the highest indicators of your maturity in Christ is your intimacy with the Lord. There are many who will come in Christ’s name and say, “I did this great work; I healed the sick, I cast out demons, I accomplished this in your name.” But Jesus will say, “I never knew you.” It seems that knowing God is far more important than the things we do for Him.
One thing we do know about Mary Magdalene is that she knew the Lord personally and loved Him dearly. Of all the people that Christ appeared to, she was found worthy to be the first to see her Lord.