It Is Finished
A Redemption Story Written By: Charise McNutt
John 20:1-10
“Now the first day of the week Mary Magdalene went to the tomb early, while it was still dark, and saw the stone had been taken away from the tomb. 2 Then she ran and came to Simon Peter, and to the other disciple, whom Jesus loved, and said to them, ‘They have taken away the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid Him.’
3 Peter therefore went out, and the other disciple, and were going to the tomb. 4 So they both ran together, and the other disciple outran Peter and came to the tomb first. 5 And he, stooping down and looking in, saw the linen cloths lying there; yet he did not go in. 6 Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb; and he saw the linen cloths lying there, 7 and the [a]handkerchief that had been around His head, not lying with the linen cloths, but folded together in a place by itself. 8 Then the other disciple, who came to the tomb first, went in also; and he saw and believed. 9 For as yet they did not [b]know the Scripture, that He must rise again from the dead. 10 Then the disciples went away again to their own homes.”
Mary Magdalene had been tormented by evil spirits for an unknown amount of time. Luke tells us it was a total of seven demons that had tormented her. I wonder if they slowly crept in; one compromise at a time, opening the door to things she never would have imagined. Doors may have been opened via a so-called safe person in her life who was involved in demonic activities and welcomed her into it. We have no clue but what we do know is that she was supernaturally healed of evil spirits, set free from demonic influence and her life was forever changed by the power of Christ!
After being healed, Mary went where Jesus went. Luke tells us that a group of women who had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities went with Jesus and the disciples. These women ministered to the men and provided for them from their substance. (Luke 8: 1-3, Mark 15:41) When Jesus went to the cross and died a horrific death it was these women who stood afar watching in horror as their Lord was tortured and killed. Mary Magdalene and another Mary were there when Joseph took the body of Jesus, prepared it for burial and placed Him in the tomb. These women awoke early on the third day and brought spices that they might go and anoint the body of Jesus. It was at the tomb that Mary was the first to see the stone rolled away and supposing that someone stole the body she ran to let Peter and John know. It was Mary who saw the risen Lord first. It was this same Mary Magdalene who clung to Jesus’ risen body and she who announced His resurrection to the disciples. What an incredible honor the Lord had given her. What a gracious God!
As Mary worshipped Jesus in His daily life, she worshipped Him in His death and resurrection. Her life was about the Father’s business and she was obedient in the simplest of ways. What a beautiful redemption story for each of us. Jesus set us free from our sin and shame! Jesus sets us free from every demonic influence and gives us a new purpose and identity! Are you still living in bondage today? Are you bound to an addiction, under the influence of something other than the powerful Spirit of God? Are you swept under by a torrent of unhealthy mental thoughts? Are you bound by the shame of your past? I have been there. Mary had been there. She and I can testify that you can be set free by the power of the cross of Jesus Christ. This weekend we celebrate what He did for us on the cross and the victory we have through His resurrection from death to life. 1 Peter 2:24 says, “and He Himself bore our sins in His body on the cross, so that we might die to sin and live to righteousness; for by His wounds you were healed.” Jesus said, “If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must take up His cross and follow Me.” We must die to the old life and walk daily in the new life given to us in Christ Jesus.
Step One-Surrender all to God, the Father. He loves you. You are safe with Him and He will heal you. Step Two- Receive Christ as your Lord and Savior by confessing with your mouth and believing in your heart that God raised Him from the dead. Step Three- let Him cast out all darkness and let Him fill you with the light and life of Christ. He will show you a new purpose for your life. You are His precious, chosen child. You are adopted into His kingdom and He will empower you to walk as a son or daughter of the King. Four- daily open the scriptures and ask Him to speak to you and teach you His word and His way. As you are in His word, ask Him to renew your mind and thoughts and practice those healthy thoughts. He loves to meet with His children and teach them in His word. Step Five-reach out for discipleship, a local church and for friends who will encourage you in this decision to follow Jesus. You are not alone. Jesus is in heaven interceding for you today.
Father in heaven, thank you for showing us Mary Magdalene so we know that our mess is not too much for You. You are able to heal our mess and You love each one of us right where we are. Thank you for sending Your Son to save us. Thank You for His resurrection! Thank you for not giving up on us. You are so very good. In Jesus name, I pray.
