8th April 2023
The two women
Mary Magdalene and the other Mary were sitting there opposite the tomb.
Matthew 27:61 (NIV)
This is such a simple statement: two women were sitting watching a tomb. In any other circumstance one could be forgiven for dismissing it but let’s think about what had just happened and how these women must have been feeling.
They loved Jesus. They loved him so much that they, along with his disciples and other women, travelled with him from Galilee down to Jerusalem. Now they must have been pretty dedicated because they didn’t catch a bus or even hop on a horse and cart. They walked the whole way, over 80 miles. And while they travelled, they were financially supporting Jesus’ ministry (Luke 8:2-3). They had such high hopes for the future but how quickly those hopes were dashed as they witnessed his brutal crucifixion, and now sadly they watched as his body was placed in a tomb. Although it was a devastating turn of events, they were the only ones who stayed with Jesus while everyone else fled. With sorrow in their hearts, they weren’t ready to let him go. Their pursuit of him had been unwavering. Their love and loyalty was unshakeable.
You may think that just standing and looking or sitting and watching is unimpressive. Who would really notice or care? But Jesus did notice these small acts of love, and because he did, these women were privileged to see the empty tomb first and to hear the angel say: “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples: ‘He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.’ Now I have told you.” (Matthew 28:5-7). As they hurried off, Jesus himself met them and they fell at his feet and worshipped him. They were among the first to see the risen Lord and they were the first to tell the disciples what had happened.
What a blessing, and all the more remarkable because in the society of that time they were looked down on and dismissed as unreliable witnesses. But not in God’s eyes. He notices all that is done, the big and the small acts of love. He sees people for who they are, not as others see them. He includes all and accepts all.
These courageous women will be remembered and their seemingly small acts of devotion credited to them for all time. Let’s learn from them, and no matter who we are or how others see us, let’s pursue Jesus with the same determination and unwavering courage, knowing however small, our offerings will be noticed and appreciated by Jesus.
Prayer
Our loving Father in Heaven, thank you for the life, death and resurrection of Jesus. Thank you for being a God who notices the small things and who pays attention to the details. We are so grateful that you take the time to truly see and understand us. Thank you for accepting our contributions, our acts of love and devotion, no matter how small. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Study by Jackie Mill
About the writer:
Jackie Mill is a minister in Grace Communion International and Co-Regional Pastor for Scotland, Ireland and Northern England.
Local congregation:
GCI, Edinburgh – Edinburgh has a zoom service at the moment. For details email the local congregational contact below.
Local congregational contact:
Peter Mill
Email: edinburgh@gracecom.church
Word of Life contact:
wordoflife@gracecom.church