notesbynora

When we think about Mary Magdalene, we often think of her standing near the empty tomb on resurrection morning. But her story is so much deeper. It is a story of deliverance, devotion, and a love for Jesus so steady that she remained when others ran.

Mary wasn’t a woman of status or privilege. Scripture tells us she was a woman Jesus delivered from seven demons — a woman who had known bondage, torment, and darkness. When Jesus set her free, He didn’t just restore her mind; He restored her dignity, her purpose, and her identity.

From that moment on, Mary followed Him with her whole heart.

She was there during His ministry. She was there at the cross when others fled. She was there at His burial when hope seemed lost. And she was there at the tomb when the stone was rolled away.

Mary Magdalene stayed close. Her devotion wasn’t based on what Jesus could do for her — it was born out of what He had already done.

On the darkest day in history, when the sky grew black and Jesus breathed His last breath, Mary stayed. She didn’t run from the pain. She didn’t hide from the grief. Love held her in place.

And here’s the beautiful truth:

Because Mary Magdalene stayed, she was the first to see the risen Savior.

Not Peter.
Not John.
Not the disciples.

Mary.

A woman once bound in darkness became the first preacher of the resurrection. Jesus looked into the eyes of the one who stayed and entrusted her with the message that changed the world:

“Go and tell…”

What a beautiful reminder of God’s heart — He reveals Himself to those who remain close.

There are moments in our lives when God calls us to stay — to stay faithful, to stay prayerful, to stay steady even when circumstances look hopeless. Mary Magdalene reminds us that sometimes the most powerful act of faith is simply showing up when everything in us wants to retreat.

Maybe you’re walking through a difficult season — heartbreak, loss, uncertainty, or waiting. Maybe you’re wondering why things look dark, or why God seems silent.

Stay.

Stay near Jesus.
Stay in prayer.
Stay in the Word.
Stay in worship.
Stay rooted in faith.

Because the same Savior who spoke Mary’s name outside the empty tomb is the same Savior who speaks your name in moments of confusion and sorrow. Mary didn’t recognize Jesus until He said her name.
And when He did, everything in her world changed. He still calls our names today.

He calls us out of fear. He calls us out of despair. He calls us out of the tombs of our past and into the hope of resurrection life.

Mary Magdalene’s story shows us that God uses the unlikely, the broken, the once-bound, and the deeply devoted. And He reveals Himself to those who draw close — not because they have all the answers, but because they refuse to walk away.

So if you find yourself in a place of waiting or weeping, remember Mary.
Remember the power of staying near the One who is faithful.
And remember that resurrection is always closer than it seems.

Prayer

Lord, give me the devotion of Mary Magdalene — a heart that stays close to You, even in the darkest moments. Help me listen for Your voice, trust Your presence, and cling to the hope of Your resurrection power. Speak my name, Lord, and strengthen my faith as I walk with You. Amen.