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laid in a cold tomb. She was determined to wash and anoint His
body properly. So Luke 23:55–56 says she and the other Mary
began the preparation of their own burial spices before the
Sabbath began. Mark 16:1 adds that they purchased still more
spices as soon as the Sabbath was officially over (sundown on
Saturday). In spite of their deep grief, they earnestly desired to
give the Lord a burial befitting His greatness and their profound
love for Him.

The First Witness of the Resurrection

No woman ever became so famous so fast as Mary
Magdalene did by this early morning act of devotion. All of
womanhood has been raised to a higher level because of Mary's
love and loyalty. Because of her the first word spoken by the
risen Christ was woman, and the first name spoken was Mary.
She was the first to see the risen Lord, and hear him speak. Her
love kept her near the tomb when the doubts of others scattered
them. Her love was rewarded with acts of love in return. A
woman in deep devotion anointed Jesus for His burial, but the
disciples did not understand. A woman in deep devotion was
first at the tomb. The evidence is clear that women are more
sensitive and loving in their devotion. No one among His male
followers ever gave Him the comfort He needed. They slept
while he sweat in agony. They ran, and they denied Him when
He needed support. Only women anointed Him, showed Him
love and hospitality, stood at the cross and rose early to come to
the tomb. Obstacles did not hinder her. The fact that the tomb
was guarded and sealed did not stop her. The fact that it was
Passover, and all of Jerusalem would be filled with strangers, did
not delay her. She was up and heading for the tomb while it was
still dark.

Mary was first at the tomb, and the first to see the
risen Lord. Her great love motivated her, and Jesus honored
that love by selecting her to be the first person to whom He
revealed Himself alive. Peter and John were the two key leaders

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Lenten Meditations Re - Imaging People