The Faces of Easter (week 4: Mary Magdalene)
Introduction to The Faces of Easter
As we approach Easter, we are invited to reflect on the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ—a story that has shaped the world and continues to change lives. The narrative involves many people, each with their own role to play, responses to the unfolding events, and a personal encounter with the Savior.
In this five-part devotional series, The Faces of Easter, Pastor Daniel will help us explore the key figures in the Easter story—those who were present during the final days of Jesus’ earthly ministry. From the disciples to the religious leaders, from the betrayer to the faithful, each person’s story holds lessons for us today. Together, we will see how their choices and actions helped shape the narrative of Easter.
Each Wednesday, we’ll focus on a different character, starting with Judas, the one who betrayed Jesus, moving through Peter, who denied Him, and Pilate, who washed his hands of the decision. We’ll then reflect on the faithfulness of Mary Magdalene, the first to witness the resurrection, before concluding with Jesus Himself, whose death and resurrection offer us forgiveness, hope, and new life.
This devotional series seeks to help us prepare our hearts for Easter by reflecting on the people involved in the story and considering how their experiences mirror our own journeys of faith. Whether we’re struggling with doubts, facing difficult decisions, or seeking a deeper and stronger walk with God, we’ll find our stories intertwined with theirs.
As we walk through these Faces of Easter, we’ll discover not only the impact they had on the events of that first Easter, but how they call us to live with greater faith, repentance, and hope in the Savior who changed everything.
Mary Magdalene – The Witness
Among the many faces of Easter, one of the most surprising and significant is that of Mary Magdalene. Often misunderstood, Mary’s story is one of transformation, faithfulness, and deep love for Jesus. She is remembered not for a failure or a betrayal—but for her presence, her devotion, and for being the very first to witness the risen Christ. In a world where women’s voices were often dismissed, Jesus chose Mary to be the first to proclaim the most important message in history: He is risen. Her story reminds us that Jesus reveals Himself to those who seek Him in love and faith.
“Mary was standing outside the tomb crying, and as she wept, she stooped and looked in. She saw two white-robed angels, one sitting at the head and the other at the foot of the place where the body of Jesus had been lying. ‘Dear woman, why are you crying?’ the angels asked her. ‘Because they have taken away my Lord,’ she replied, ‘and I don’t know where they have put him.’ She turned to leave and saw someone standing there. It was Jesus, but she didn’t recognize him. ‘Dear woman, why are you crying?’ Jesus asked her. ‘Who are you looking for?’ … ‘Mary!’ Jesus said. She turned to him and cried out, ‘Rabboni!’ (which is Hebrew for “Teacher”).”
—John 20:11–16 (NLT)
“Mary Magdalene found the disciples and told them, ‘I have seen the Lord!’ Then she gave them his message.”
—John 20:18 (NLT)
Mary Magdalene had a past. According to Luke 8:2, Jesus had cast seven demons out of her. Her life had been one of deep brokenness, but Jesus brought healing, dignity, and purpose. From that moment on, she followed Him, supported His ministry, and stayed near Him when most others fled. Unlike the disciples who went into hiding after Jesus' arrest, Mary stayed. She stood near the cross when He died (John 19:25), watched where He was buried, and returned early Sunday morning to honor Him with spices. Her devotion wasn’t driven by obligation or fear—it was fueled by love.
But that morning, she was grieving. Jesus was gone. His body missing. Her Lord, the one who had healed and restored her, was now out of reach. She wept outside the tomb, unaware that the miracle had already happened. When Jesus appeared to her, she didn’t recognize Him at first. But all it took was one word: her name—“Mary.” In that moment, everything changed. Her sorrow turned to joy. Her confusion to clarity. Mary didn’t just witness the resurrection—she encountered the Risen Christ. And then Jesus gave her a mission: “Go find my brothers and tell them” (John 20:17). She became the first messenger of resurrection hope.
What’s powerful about Mary’s story is not just that she saw the empty tomb—but that Jesus saw her. He met her in her sorrow. He revealed Himself in tenderness. And He trusted her to carry the good news. Mary Magdalene’s story invites us to consider what faithful love looks like. In her, we see someone who didn’t give up, even when hope seemed gone. She kept showing up—at the cross, at the tomb, in the sorrow—until Jesus met her there. Her face reminds us that Easter is not just about the empty tomb, but about the living Savior who calls us by name.
Consider these questions as you reflect on Mary’s place in the Easter story:
Are there places in your life where grief, confusion, or unanswered prayers are making it hard to see Jesus clearly?
Like Mary, are you willing to keep seeking Jesus, even when He seems distant?
Have you heard Him call your name lately—and how might He be inviting you to share His message of hope with others?
Prayer
Risen Lord, thank You for calling us by name. Thank You for Mary’s story—a reminder that You reveal Yourself to those who seek You in love and faith. Like her, I want to be present with You in both sorrow and joy. Open my eyes to recognize You in the places I least expect. Give me the courage to share the hope of Your resurrection with others, and may I never grow tired of seeking Your face. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
The Faces of Easter show us the full spectrum of humanity—betrayers, deniers, compromisers… and the faithful. In Mary, we see what it means to love Jesus deeply and follow Him boldly. This Easter, may we not only remember the resurrection but live as those who have seen the Risen Lord—and carry His message to the world.
