He is Risen!
Luke 24 1-12 On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the women too the spices they had prepared and went to the tomb. They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when the entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. While they were wondering about this, suddenly two men in clothes that gleamed like lightening stood beside them. In their fright the women bowed down with their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, “Why do you look for the living among the dead?. He is not here, he has Risen!
Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee. “The Son of Man must be delivered over to the hands of sinners, be crucified and on the third day be raised again” then they remembered his words.
When they came back from the tomb, they told all these things to the Eleven and to all the others. It was Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and other with them who told this to the apostles. But they did not believe the women, because their words seemed to them like nonsense. Peter, however, got up and ran to the tomb. Bending over, he saw the strips of linen lying by themselve, and he went away, wondering to himself what had happened.
In ancient Jewish tradition, it was customary to anoint the body of the deceased with spices both immediately and a few days after death as a sign of respect, love, and to help preserve the body. Spices such as myrrh and aloes were used to mask the Oder of decay, and it was an expression of honor and devotion. Anointing the dead was a symbolic act of love and respect, and the practice intertwined with beliefs about the sanctity of the body, resurrection and the soul’s journey. Proper burial and preparation was seen as essential to honor God’s creation and to ensure the deceased spiritual well-being. .
As I was walking this morning looking at the sky and focusing on Jesus rising from the dead, I felt in the spirit when I pictured Mary Magdalene going to the tomb with others early in the morning. Wait, “Where was Mary his mother”
‘Where was Mary” Where was the mother of Jesus. The one who would love him more than anyone there to anoint his body. Why wasn’t Mary there? It doesn’t’ make sense to me and she is not mentioned as being one of the women in the bible yet, out of every woman there, she would have been there so why wasn’t she?
Then I envisioned Mary Magdalene weeping as she returned to the tomb, uncertain of what had transpired. No one believed her, yet she speculated that perhaps someone had stolen the body of her Lord. She was in tears when the two angels asked, “Woman, why are you weeping?” She replied, “Because they have taken the body away, and I do not know where they have laid him.” As she turned around, she thought she saw a gardener and the man asked, “Woman, why are you weeping, and whom are you seeking?” She responded, “You have carried him away; where have you taken him?” Jesus then called out, “Mary!” She immediately recognized him and exclaimed, “Rabboni!” (which means teacher). He instructed her not to touch him, for he had yet to ascend to the Father.
But where was Mary, the mother of Jesus? Why does the Bible indicate that Mary Magdalene was the first to see him, which is the account, as she returned to inform the disciples? So, there were witnesses and that makes sense, yet why doesn’t anyone ask, where was Mary his mother?
What remains unsaid is even more profound than what has been expressed in the bible. We never add to the bible or take away that would be a sin, what I am merely doing is pondering on the life of Mary with her son Jesus. Wondering what could have happened and why? We weren’t there but we have the holy spirit to help guide us.
Mary, the mother of God, did not need to go and anoint the body of her son alongside the other women. In my heart I believe,
Mary already understood that Jesus had risen; she had seen him long before anyone else. In her dreams, visions, and even in person within her own room. A mother’s love surpasses all other loves, and a son’s love for his mother is unparalleled. Do we really believe Mary Magdalene saw Jesus before his own Mother? That’s just being Nieve. I do believe Mary Magdalene was next because of such a broken heart and love for Jesus. Mary his mother was the first to hold him at his birth and the first to embrace him at his death…their hearts are connected both physically and spiritually.
Mary walked with Angels long before any of his disciples. Long ago when Gabriel went to visit a 15 year old girl and told her she would be the Mother of God and her reply, “I am the handmaiden of the Lord, his will be done”, to when Jesus was born in a Manger among animals and shepherd boys she saw angels appear to every step of her amazing journey as the Mother of God. If only we could have seen and heard all that Mary saw and heard along the way. To when Simeon in the Temple would prophesize of the greatness of the little baby he held in his hand for the purification after 8 days in Jewish Tradition. Simeon was there. He took the child in his arms and praised God, saying,
29 “Sovereign Lord, now let your servant die in peace,
as you have promised.
30 I have seen your salvation,
31 which you have prepared for all people.
32 He is a light to reveal God to the nations,
and he is the glory of your people Israel!”
33 Jesus’ parents were amazed at what was being said about him. 34 Then Simeon blessed them, and he said to Mary, the baby’s mother, “This child is destined to cause many in Israel to fall, and many others to rise. He has been sent as a sign from God, but many will oppose him. 35 As a result, the deepest thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your very soul.”
The sword pierced Mary’s heart in a way that only a mother could truly comprehend, yet within that profound sorrow lay immense joy, for Jesus’ resurrection had already been foretold to his disciples, who at the time could not grasp its significance. Mary recognized that her son had come into the world to save his children, fully aware of the suffering he would endure at the hands of leaders threatened by his true kingship. Consider the weight of being Mary, knowing that King Herod sought to murder all infants up to the age of four in a desperate attempt to eliminate Jesus. The faith she must have possessed to withstand such trials, alongside Joseph, her earthly husband, is unimaginable. Throughout their journey, angels guided them, providing support and direction at every turn.
Then he went down to Nazareth with them and was obedient to them. But his mother treasured all these things in her heart. And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.” – Luke 2:51-52
Consider all the moments when she dined at the table constructed by Jesus, reflecting on their interactions. The parables he shared, the wisdom he conveyed, and the joy they experienced together. Recall the times when she tucked him in as a young child, narrating the tale of Moses and the Red Sea, during which Jesus would reveal insights to her that she had never known, knowledge only God possessed. These stories must have come to life, and as they prayed together, the presence of God would sweep into the room like a powerful wind, with angels manifesting. I wish that Mary, the Mother of God, had documented these experiences; what an extraordinary book it would have been.
What does the Jewish religion say about Mary?
Mary, known as Miriam in Hebrew, is recognized in Jewish tradition primarily as the mother of Jesus (Yeshua). While she is acknowledged as a Jewish woman, her role does not hold the same theological weight in Judaism as i does in Christianity. Jews typically regard her as just another Jewish mother, and there is little emphasis on her in Jewish religious texts or practices.
https://www.interfaithmary.net/articles/mary-judaism
What does the Muslim Religion say about Mary?
In Islam, Maryam (Mary) is considered among the most pious and righteous women in history. While Islam does not believe in the divinity of Jesus, it reveres Mary as a blessed and chosen servant of God. She is often referred to as Sayyidatuna Maryam, meaning “Our Lady Mary,” a title reflecting the respect and love Muslims hold for her.
https://www.mikegravel.org/do-muslims-believe-in-mary-the-mother-of-jesus/
I believe, Mary was significantly ahead of everyone regarding the resurrection of her son, fully aware that he would return to complete what he had begun. No, she was not among the women preparing spices, as she was already engaged in preparing for his arrival as we should be now. No, she was not with Mary Magdalene, who was weeping for his return, because she was already celebrating in her tears at the prospect of his imminent return to them, and that this journey was about to evolve into the book of Acts.
Great anticipation, I believe, filled Mary’s heart for her son, and she comprehended even more than that. She was the instrument through which God was brought to Earth, yet he was God’s Son, he was Holy, he was God himself. She was his servant and felt honored to be referred to as the Blessed Virgin Mary. What joy she experienced in her heart to be selected for such a monumental task, and Mary treasured many things in her heart, as mentioned in the Bible. She was neither boastful nor prideful; rather, she was the handmaiden of God! A willing vessel to help bring forth the greatest story ever told. That is where Mary was, she was waiting, singing, and rejoicing! Her son was alive!
Clearly, the Catholic Faith holds Mary, the mother of God, in the highest regard. It is nearly impossible to enter a Catholic Church without encountering references to Mary, and at times, her name is mentioned more frequently than that of Jesus. While Protestants recognize Mary as the mother of God, they do not extend the same level of veneration towards her as Catholics do. Numerous reasons exist for this disparity, and many books have been authored discussing the contrasting Christian belief systems that have unfortunately made Mary a point of contention among many within the Christian Faith.
In a world that is increasingly perplexed by numerous issues, and as it becomes progressively darker, I believe it is essential to reflect and earnestly pray to God to reveal how He intends to utilize Mary in these final days. Why do I hold the belief that Mary is at Jesus’ side even as I compose this? Well, I will share with you a dream I experienced when I was twelve years old.
My grandmother passed away. It was Easter morning! I felt upset with her the night before, as I had refused to kiss her goodnight, calling her by my name, “Ethel.” She had been drinking and was unkind to my twin sister, Alice. When she drank, she would become mean, and I was her favorite for clear reasons. I recall going to bed, and upon waking, I entered the bedroom where she was sleeping, which was my brother Alby’s room. I called out to her, but she did not move. I noticed her skin had turned purple. I couldn’t get her to respond; I was only 12 and had never encountered death before. I went downstairs and whispered in my sister’s ear. My large family was gathered around the table, eating. At that moment, my mother leaped up, screaming as she rushed up the stairs, realizing something was terribly wrong. My grandmother Ethel had passed away in her sleep due to a massive heart attack. I remember standing in the corner of the house when the medics arrived to revive her, but to no avail. Then came the funeral and the open coffin. I stood beside the coffin, with a lamp shining above it. I remember feeling very guilty how I treated my grandmother and I remember silently praying, “God, please let me know my grandmother is in Heaven; if so, please blink the light three times.” I had put out a fleece, asking for a miracle. Nothing happened.
Days later, I experienced a dream….
I found myself floating in the air (my soul) and could distinctly feel the sensation of levitation. I observed my grandmother approaching along a path, her face radiating happiness, smiling joyfully as the wind blew. I vividly remember my grandmothers face of pure Joy! I felt her happiness. Beside her was a lovely girl, likely in her teenage years, with long, curly blonde hair. I recognized her as my sister, Nancy Jean. Nancy Jean had passed away when she was an infant, and I felt in my spirit that it was indeed her with Grandmother. She would also be in her teens now. Both of them appeared so joyful together. Although I could not follow them on their journey, I sensed in my heart that they were heading to Heaven. I continued to float, noticing various sights in the sky. Upon reaching the top of a hill, I beheld a sky painted in burnt orange – truly beautiful. I noticed a path that I was meant to follow. On either side of this path were open coffins. I recall feeling an urge to stray from the path, as a voice was calling to me. In one of the coffins lay a man with dark, coarse skin. As I approached him, another man appeared over a hill, carrying a staff, and instructed me to return to the path, which I did. At that moment, I was unaware that it was the devil attempting to lead me astray.
As I Continued along the path, I arrived at lush meadows stretching as far as the eye could see, and in the distance, I spotted a large Cross shining brightly in the center of the meadow. I could hear prayers rising into the atmosphere, perhaps hundreds or even thousands of people praying. As I walked further, I encountered Jesus, who looked up at me with his light blue, radiant eyes. He invited me to pray with him, and I realized that next to him was his mother, Mary. Although I could not see her face, I instinctively knew it was her beside him. I prayed, and then I awoke.
I vividly recall that morning filled with immense JOY as I called my mother, June, exclaiming, “Mom, I had a dream about Grandmom!” She came downstairs, and I began to recount the dream, particularly the part about her daughter, Nancy Jean, which made her cry. However, the most remarkable aspect was that she believed me, and this brought her peace. The question of Mary’s whereabouts is not the focus here. Mary is always by her son’s side I believe.
Please inform me, is your son or mother still present in your heart, even though they have left this world? Are they in your thoughts every day, every minute, and every second? Yes? Indeed, they reside in our hearts, alongside Jesus! They live within us, and one day we shall be reunited with them in Heaven. However, today I am reflecting on Mary, whom I regard as a Saint. The Bible states that obedience to God is the greatest sacrifice we can offer Him, as it demonstrates the depth of our love for Him, and Mary exemplifies this pillar of obedience. Furthermore, it is written that ALL, not just some, but ALL the angels and Saints in Heaven will rejoice when a single sinner repents, rather than for 99 who do not require repentance. Are you aware that Mary is not merely a Saint; I believe she holds a special place next to Jesus. What are your thoughts on this?
I would like to clarify one point here. In the Bible, it speaks of the Lamb of God who removes the sins of the world. That lamb, that perfect lamb, is Jesus Christ, the Son of God! He is the only one capable of nullifying the enemy’s plans, cleansing our sins in a world rife with sin. He was the perfect Sacrifice, and he undertook this willingly out of the love he has for us, and indeed for you! The love he had for his disciples and his mother is profound. Jesus serves as the cornerstone of our Faith as Christians, and he is the sole name upon which you can call in Heaven and on Earth, to which all creation bows and the demons tremble. Jesus is the only Way, the only Truth, and the only Life! Therefore, when you pray as Jesus instructed, say, ‘Our Father who art in Heaven……
Consider your current state, where do you stand today? On this most revered of days, what is the condition of your heart? Are you akin to the Disciples, who did not believe until they witnessed it firsthand, or perhaps even more so like Doubting Thomas? Are you reminiscent of Mary Magdalene, overwhelmed with sorrow because you fail to comprehend that Jesus is the Resurrection and that he is alive?
Or do you resemble his Mother Mary, who possessed such a profound depth of love for her son that she anxiously awaited his return?
Do you know Jesus Christ has risen and that he died for you. Do you believe? Praise Jesus for this remarkable day! Christ is coming back and you will only see him in the sky returning with all his angels and saints.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BICL8lf54QM&list=RDBICL8lf54QM&start_radio=1
