by John gives an account of the resurrection of Jesus that made me stop and pause over Mary Magdalene, as one is wont to do whenever they come across her in scripture. John reports that early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene went to the tomb (we know she was with a few other women and they were carrying spices to anoint his body) and saw that the stone had been removed from the entrance. Immediately she ran to Simon Peter and John in panic, afraid that some people had stolen the body of Jesus.
Peter and John bolt for the tomb, with John outrunning Peter. Both confirm that indeed the body of Jesus is missing; all that’s left is the burial clothes and they come to the same conclusion as Mary – that someone stole the body of the Lord. (They still did not understand from Scripture that Jesus had to rise from the dead.)
Here is the interesting part. The disciples went back to where they were staying but Mary, she remains outside the tomb, crying.
“As she wept, she bent over to look into the tomb and saw two angels in white, seated where Jesus’ body had been, one at the head and the other at the foot. They asked her, “Woman, why are you crying?” “They have taken my Lord away,” she said, “and I don’t know where they have put him.” At this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not realize that it was Jesus. He asked her, “Woman, why are you crying? Who is it you are looking for?” Thinking he was the gardener, she said, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will get him.” Jesus said to her, “Mary.” She turned toward him and cried out in Aramaic, “Rabboni!” (which means “Teacher”). Jesus said, “Do not hold on to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father. Go instead to my brothers and tell them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’” Mary Magdalene went to the disciples with the news: “I have seen the Lord!” And she told them that he had said these things to her.” John 20:12-18
Mary Magdalene lingered at the tomb, crying and guess who decides to take a detour to see her before he goes to the Father? She came back with an incredulous testimony: “I have seen the Lord.”
Two other times we see Mary lingering at the Lord’s feet – when she anointed his feet with expensive perfume and when she sat at his feet listening to his teaching.
In Luke 10:38-42, Martha has invited Jesus to her home and while she is busy providing hospitality to this very important guest and his entourage, her sister Mary sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. When Martha complains to Jesus that Mary has left her to do all the work by myself, Jesus tells her:“Martha, Martha, you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”
Sitting at the Lord’s feet unrushed, listening to every word, this is the better portion. This is the necessary. This is the heart of the matter. And it won’t be taken away from those who choose it.
Ticked to-do lists are good. There’s work to be done. But that we may linger just a little longer where we seek our Lord. May be like Mary we will be esteemed with the presence of our Lord. May be our worship will change the atmosphere around us as the smell of our perfume fills the room. Those who seek will find. Tally at the Lord’s feet while everybody else rushes out. Lavishly wash those feet with your tears. Treasure every word. Be still in His presence and patiently wait for Him. For indeed few things are needed; indeed only one thing is needful.
