Today’s Reading: John 20:17-18
Today’s Reference: Galatians 3:28-29 “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. And if you are Christ’s then you are Abraham’s offspring, heirs according to promise.”
What would it be like to be possessed by seven devils? You might recall that when Jesus met Mary Magdalene for the first time, He delivered her from the demons that haunted her body. We don’t know how long she lived with these horrid alien beings, but she must have tried everything to escape. Mary knew she couldn't manage her sin, or its consequences, on her own. She was ready for her Savior! Salvation comes most easily to the broken. Jesus only has value to us when we’re prepared to admit we can’t “go it alone.”
Now Jesus lets Mary see Him first after His resurrection and tell the disciples about it. He tells her He is going to “my Father and your Father.” What better proof that her sins were washed away and she was a beloved daughter of the King!
Have you ever thought, “God can’t use me because of my sins?” Or looked down on a brother or sister in Christ because of their past? Mary shows us that once our sins are forgiven, we are equal in God’s eyes, and able to serve Him equally.
Prayer:
Father, cleanse me from regrets and memories of sin that stop me from doing everything You have planned for me, and help me see my brothers and sisters in Christ through Your eyes.
In Jesus’ name, amen.