Mary Magdalene had her demons… tormenting and tenacious. She also had her Deliverer… almighty and authoritative. Jesus set Mary free, as He sets us free. Our “demons” may not cause us to shriek or writhe on the ground, but they are as evil and powerful as Mary’s were.

Our evil is more sophisticated. Our anger is labeled impatience; our jealousy is called wanting what’s fair; our self-pity is described as self-care; our unforgiveness is named justification; and our bitterness is said to be reasonable. They are quieter than Mary’s demons, but as dangerous. Thank God, we have the same Deliverer, with the same power, mercy, and authority.

As one who is delivered from sin, I want to live the thankful life Mary lived, echoing her devotion and honoring my Savior. I want to follow Him as she did, pursuing His presence and worshiping at the cross.

How amazing that the first person Jesus appeared to after His resurrection was not one of the twelve, but a former demon possessed woman. Jesus chose Mary Magdalene for this honor and she could not keep quiet.

Lord, like Mary may I be untamed in testifying of your goodness and power, proclaiming your death and resurrection to the Marys of this world.

Mary Magdalene went to the disciples with the news: ”I have seen the Lord!”

John 20:18

In preparing for Easter, three Marys have captured my thoughts. Their unique roles inspire me to search my heart and emulate their beauty. The first is Mary, the good girl.

Mary’s family (brother Lazarus and sister Martha) loved Jesus and He often visited their home in Bethany. Yearning for truth, Mary drew to Jesus’ side, shutting out distractions and even duties. She seemed to have an unquenchable thirst for more, a desire to go deeper, a heart hungry for truth. She sat and listened and her devotion grew. I see her as a persistent woman, not deterred in her quest for God. She was so focused on Him, she became radical.

Not caring about those crowded around the dinner table, she entered the room and poured a jar of expensive perfume on Jesus’ feet. It was strange, it was costly, it was extreme. It was Mary demonstrating the epitome of her devotion.

I admire her—her hunger for God, her single-mindedness, her selflessness.

Lord, I want you to be preeminent in my thoughts, my hours, my days, as you were in Mary’s. Give me her tenacious desire to learn from you. Let me ignore the call of comfort or lure of distractions and devote myself fully to you. Like Mary, I want to fill my space with the fragrance of worship.

Then Mary took about a pint of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus’ feet and wiped his feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.

John 12:3