Those who love Jesus the most diligently are often the ones that
receive the greatest rewards from him. Mary Magdalene loved Jesus
with all of her heart, mind, soul, and strength; and she was given the
great blessing of being the first to see him risen from the grave.
The story of Mary’s love for Jesus began long before the crucifixion.
Jesus had worked a remarkable act of grace in her life, saving her
from seven demons that controlled her. It is true that those who have
been saved from something terrible will often have a great love for
the person that saved them. Mary had this sort of a love. She helped
to support Jesus’ ministry financially, she was there at the cross
when he died, and she put spices on the grave later on. She loved her
savior more than life itself.
Jesus rewarded Mary’s love for him in several ways. All of Jesus’
followers were upset because of his death, but Mary was the first to
be reassured that her fears were needless. From this, we learn that
our fears are often needless as well.
Jesus rewarded Mary by reminding her that he was God as well as man,
and that he would soon ascend to be with God the Father. There, he
would make sure that she would have a home in heaven (John 14:2), send
the Holy Spirit (John 16:7), and ultimately return to earth again to
raise the dead (John 14:3). He will do the same for all of us who
love him as well.
Jesus rewarded Mary by his kind and gracious words. Though she had
doubted him, he lifted her up again and did not judge her for her
sins. He sent her to go and tell the disciples (who had doubted him
as well) about his resurrection, so that they would be encouraged. By
his death, he is able to forgive the sins of all who love him.
