December 22

Mary Magdalene

When she had said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there; but she did not recognize that it was Jesus. — John 20:14 BSB

The story of Mary Magdalene is one of tender beauty. Jesus had delivered her from a terrible bondage, casting out seven demons that possessed her. From that moment, her devotion to Him was unshakable, and she followed Him wherever He went, ministering to His needs. She was one of those who stood by His cross and tomb, and she came early to honor His body. In return for her faithful love, Jesus appeared to her first on the morning of His resurrection.

But when she saw Him, she didn’t recognize Him, even though her heart longed for Him. As she spoke with the angel, she heard a sound behind her and turned to see Jesus standing there. Yet she didn’t know it was Him, even though she loved Him so deeply and was yearning for Him. She thought He was dead and didn’t recognize Him alive. Another reason she didn’t know Him was that her eyes were full of tears, making it hard to see. This happens to us too. We may desperately need Christ, but when He comes to us, we don’t always recognize Him, and as a result, we miss the comfort He brings.

There is a painting that depicts a mother in deep sorrow, unaware that an angel is close by, bending over her to comfort her, and at the same time playing celestial music. But she is so absorbed in her grief that she neither sees the angel nor hears his music. Her heart remains uncomforted even though comfort is right beside her. We should lift our eyes when we’re in sorrow. If we only look down, we’ll never see the beauty of Jesus’ face, and our hearts will remain uncomforted even though He is near.