Jesus: His Life - A DevotionalSample

 Day 4: Mary and Mary Magdalene: Believe the Impossible

We all have them – situations and circumstances that seem bleak. Something has happened to us, or to someone we love, and we think there is no earthly way we’ll survive it. That’s when we need to remember how true that thought is: sometimes, there really is no earthly way. 

Two women profiled in separate episodes of JESUS: HIS LIFE are Mary, mother of Jesus and Mary Magdalene. Both women bookended His time on Earth and, in each case, trusted a miracle would happen and were rewarded for their steadfastness.

Mary’s simple life was upended in ways no one’s has been before or since when she was visited by the angel Gabriel, who told her an astonishing story: She was so highly favored by God that His Holy Spirit would “overshadow her” and she would become pregnant. The child? Jesus.

Though a virgin, Mary didn’t doubt. Though engaged to Joseph and her reputation and life on the line for being pregnant out of wedlock, she did not fear. She asked no questions about how she would get through all that lay ahead. Didn’t shrink from the enormity of the task. She simply said, “I am the Lord’s servant. May it be to me as you have said.” She believed. 

So did Mary Magdalene. Though she stood bravely at the foot of the cross and watched her friend and teacher, Jesus, killed. Days later, with the tomb sealed and guarded by Rome, something in Mary filled her with anticipation. She set out early to see for herself. That expectation was rewarded, and she was the first to see the resurrected Jesus alive!! 

The determination of Mary and Mary Magdalene to believe and anticipate that a miracle would happen should inspire us. We must remember that the miracles of the past are assurances that miracles are just as likely today. 

As Ephesians 3:20-21 puts it: “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.”

Prayer for further reflection

Lord Jesus, help me to always remember You are the God of miracles, and nothing is impossible for You.