At The Empty Tombনমুনা

Mary’s view of the cross

“When Jesus rose early on the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had driven seven demons” (Mark 16:9).

It’s hard to imagine what life was like for Mary Magdalene before Jesus healed her. Perhaps anyone on intimate terms with mental illness can glimpse into the chaos of her mind and soul. Filled with divine compassion, Jesus drove out the demons. In a blink of an eye, Jesus restored her. He made her whole—physically, emotionally, socially, and above all spiritually.

In this new life, she committed to the needs of the traveling teacher/healer with a radical message. She witnessed the wonders he performed. Yet she saw him through the eyes of her expectations: a heaven-sent earthly king.

Her view from the foot of the cross contradicted everything she learned from her Messiah. Fear and doubt attempted to crowd out her faith and mess with her reason. Everything she thought she came to believe was about to die.

The holy Lamb of God looked down on the people below him while braced against the splintery wood of the cross as every sin of mankind was nailed into him. He knew the worth of his perfect work for friend and foe alike. His joy was made complete when he breathed out, “It is finished” (John 19:30).