Sermon # 16 - The Lord Is Close At Hand Series

In Mark 16:1, we read, “And when the Sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome, had bought sweet spices, that they might come and anoint him.”(KJV)

The Lord Jesus as He had already predicted to His disciples on several occasions, was crucified on a cross at Calvary, died, and was buried in a tomb. After the burial of Jesus, the disciples were filled with a sense of fear and hopelessness as they thought that their journey with Jesus had come to an end. Having been closely associated with Jesus for three and half years, the death and burial of Jesus spelt a sense of finality for the disciples that they even decided to go back fishing.

While it did not even occur to the disciples of Jesus to check on the tomb where Jesus had been laid, Mary Magdalene along with other women were waiting for the Sabbath to be over, so they could go to the tomb to anoint the body of Jesus with sweet spices. Though these women had a faith combined with love that prompted them to go to the tomb with their sweet spices, they too did so with a sense of doubt, as they wondered as to who would roll the stone away, so they could anoint the body of Jesus. Though the Lord had repeatedly spoken about His death, burial and resurrection, it seemed that the disciples, and the women who followed Jesus closely gave no heed or had forgotten the Lord’s exhortation.

Often times, we too when faced with difficult situations lose heart and despair only because we have forgotten the word of God, and His promises to us. It is only when the word of God is firmly rooted in our hearts, and our faith immovably established on it, will adverse situations not affect us. However, when the word of God is absent in our lives, we will certainly be shaken. For those of us who are discouraged and downcast because of any burdensome circumstance, let us be encouraged that the risen Lord is with us, and He has power to totally transform every arduous situation.

The disciples experienced and accepted Jesus as their Lord, master, miracle worker and provider, but could not perceive that He was also the one who could overcome death, and rise again from the grave.

Let us look at three Mary’s in the Bible who were so close to Jesus, but whose circumstances so blinded them that they struggled to comprehend the Lordship of Jesus, and His presence right next to them.

Mary Magdalene

Among the group of women who went to the tomb early that morning was Mary Magdalene. Let us study the word to see who she was.

We read in Luke 8:1-3, “Now it came to pass, afterward, that He went through every city and village, preaching and bringing the glad tidings of the kingdom of God. And the twelve were with Him, and certain women who had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities—Mary called Magdalene, out of whom had come seven demons, and Joanna the wife of Chuza, Herod’s steward, and Susanna, and many others who provided for Him from their substance.” (NKJV)

As Mary was a common name in Jesus’ day, and many of the women who followed Jesus had this name, Mary Magdalene was referred to as one who was delivered of seven evil spirits. Most of us would not prefer to be identified with our past life, but Mary Magdalene had experienced such a powerful transformation and deliverance that her heart was filled with love and gratitude to the Lord for His intervention, that she decided to follow and serve Jesus wholeheartedly.

Many of us have received much from the Lord, the very breath we breathe is God’s gift to us, but so often we remain ungrateful to the Lord for all His goodness, and keep complaining about the things that we still lack. It is indeed a sad thought that a majority of people take God’s gifts for granted, and there are only a handful who are truly grateful to the Lord for all that He lavishes on them.

We read in John 20:10-11, “Then the disciples went away again to their own homes. But Mary stood outside by the tomb weeping, and as she wept she stooped down and looked into the tomb.” (NLT)

Read John 20:14-15, “Now when she had said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, and did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?” She, supposing Him to be the gardener, said to Him, “Sir, if you have carried Him away, tell me where you have laid Him, and I will take Him away.” (NLT)