Forty Days to the Ascension - Pt. 1

 

In the first book, O Theophilus, I have dealt with all that Jesus began to do and teach, until the day when he was taken up, after he had given commands through the Holy Spirit to the apostles whom he had chosen. He presented himself alive to them after his suffering by many proofs, appearing to them during forty days and speaking about the kingdom of God. And while staying with them he ordered them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the promise of the Father, which, he said, “you heard from me; for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.” (Acts 1:1-5 ESV).

 

Luke helps us a great deal in understanding what Jesus did during the time between His resurrection and ascension. Our reading today introduces the truth that Jesus appeared at least 10 times over these 40 days (v. 3). We can learn so much from these encounters. However, we must be very careful not to speculate where Jesus was during the times He wasn’t appearing. Today we will look at the first person He appeared to, Mary Magdalene (cf. Mark 16:9-11; John 20:11-18).

 

We know a few things about this Mary. Her name and references tell us she was from Magdala, which was probably on the western shore of the Sea of Galilee, the modern Migdal (meaning "watchtower"), about three miles northeast of Tiberias along the coast. It was a strongly Hellenized town with an important dried-fish industry. Archaeological digs in the early 1970s revealed a small synagogue from New Testament times, and confirmed its urban character. It was a prosperous city that by AD 60-70 had a hippodrome and 40,000 inhabitants. We also know that Mary’s family was wealthy as they personally supported Jesus’ ministry. We also know she was troubled. She had been healed by Jesus from seven demons which he had cast out of her. Some paint Mary as a prostitute or loose woman, but the New Testament clearly distinguishes the demonized from sinners and prostitutes. In fact, nowhere in the New Testament are we told she is a sinful woman. She was likely not married as there is no reference to her husband. Mary is devoted to Jesus. She traveled with his party throughout Galilee, and was with him in Jerusalem at his crucifixion and resurrection. She was one of those who followed Jesus because her life had been so remarkably changed by his healing power.

 

Some have suggested that she was the first to whom Jesus appeared because she was a woman, thus giving rise to the furthering of some Women’s rights tenants. While I certainly do not desire to dispute the need for reformation and equality in our culture, Jesus was more concerned for this devoted follower than some future political agenda. There is little doubt from other Scripture that Jesus would not tolerate any racial or gender prejudice; however, Jesus saw the intense pain Mary was experiencing and appears to her in comfort and encouragement. We cannot miss this truth about our Savior. He desires that we be comforted in our pain. He knows what we are suffering and desires to walk with us easing the burden of our life (cf. Matthew 11:29-30). It is important that we see Jesus’ priority has not changed. He still desires to gather all of us under His protection like a hen would her chicks. Don’t delay. Come to Jesus today!