The first day of the week cometh Mary Magdalene early, when it was yet dark, unto the sepulcher, and seeth the stone taken away from the sepulcher (John 20:1).

Most of the events regarding our Lord’s ministry on earth are not found in all of the gospels, but all reveal that it was Mary Magdalene who was at the tomb early on the first Easter morning (compare Matthew 28:1-10; Mark 16:9-11; Luke 24:1-10).

Who was this woman, that had been accorded such honor? She is first mentioned as one out of whom were cast seven devils (Mark 16:9; Luke 8:2). Her deliverance and conversion were so marked that she, along with several other women, attached themselves to Christ’s entourage as He traveled about, and “ministered unto him of their substance” (Luke 8:3).

His disciples forsook and denied Him, but she was present at His crucifixion (Matthew 27:55-56; Mark 15:40; Luke 23:49; John 19:25). She was still with Him as He was removed from the cross and laid in the tomb (Matthew 27:61; Mark 15:47; Luke 23:55). She organized the effort to anoint the body with spices after the Sabbath (Mark 16:1; Luke 23:56).

And what was the reward for her faithfulness? “Now when Jesus was risen early the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene” (Mark 16:9). Then she had the privilege of being the first evangelist, telling the disciples the Good News “that she had seen the Lord” (John 20:18).

We can surmise that she was present at His other appearances and that she was close by when He ascended. She was certainly in the upper room (Acts 1:12-14), and was likely present for the events of Pentecost (Acts 2:1).

Mary may have experienced these events firsthand, but because of what He did, we can likewise experience His resurrected presence and Spirit, participate in the same joyous ministry, and welcome Him when He returns.

Adapted from Dr. Morris’ article “Mary on Easter Morning” in the March 1997 Days of Praise.

* Dr. Morris is President of the Institute for Creation Research.

Cite this article: Morris, J. 2012. Mary on Easter Morning. Acts & Facts. 41 (4): 22.