Encountering the Risen Christ: Lessons from Mary Magdalene

📖 Introduction

The Gospels uniquely reveal Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection, central to Christian faith. Among these heart-stirring stories, Mary Magdalene’s encounter with the risen Jesus in John 20:11-18 stands out as deeply personal and profoundly transformative. This moment captures not only the power of the resurrection but also reminds us that the risen Christ meets each of us personally and loves us intimately.

Mary arrives at the tomb in grief, confusion, and despair, only to discover an empty tomb and the presence of angels. Yet, what she longs for is Jesus Himself. Her weeping reveals the depth of her love and loss. Suddenly, Jesus appears—though at first she does not recognize Him. When He calls her by name, “Mary,” everything changes. In that one word, her sorrow turns into joy, confusion into faith, loss into discovery.

This encounter is a beautiful illustration of how Jesus meets us in our darkest moments. Like Mary, we may experience feelings of abandonment, sorrow, or uncertainty. Yet the risen Jesus calls us personally, inviting us into hope and a renewed purpose. Through this study, let us walk with Mary, learn from her faith, and open our hearts to the living Christ, who calls each of us just as truly by name.

Over the next seven days, we will explore the significance of the resurrection, the nature of Jesus’ appearances after He rose, and what it means to be a witness to His victory over death. Prepare to be encouraged, challenged, and inspired in your own journey of faith as you encounter Jesus anew.